It is one of the most striking tragedies of our time. Without access to basic necessities, without access to a warm bed, or running water, millions of children are left to fend for themselves. It is a cruel, vicious way to grow up. In Jewish history, some of our greatest heroes have been orphans or grew up with adoptive families or in foster homes. The greatest teacher in history, Moses, was raised in a foreign household. Even the great prophetess Esther (pictured above) was an orphan. We have the power to stop this crisis. We can do so much to brighten the life of a child, to give him or her a safe environment to grow, to learn, to love. Join YATOM: The Jewish Foster & Adoption Network in the mitzvah of loving the ORPHAN.