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8375-S BTJ Your Boys_OUTPUT_6x9 4/30/19 3:27 PM Page 5

Everything is on

Natan’s Shoulders

Natan, a 10th grader, is the
oldest of five children. Since
his little sister was recently
diagnosed with cancer, he has
been thrust into the role of
mother and father for three
younger siblings, while his
parents struggle with her care.
Crushed by his heavy
responsibilities, Natan can no longer concentrate on his schoolwork,
where he once excelled. Emotionally, his fear for his sister’s life grips
him day and night.

“Everything has fallen onto the shoulders of this15-year-old boy,”
Principal Rabbi Yehudah Rosencrantz says with concern. “From
cooking to ironing and more, Natan is now responsible. His mother
is at her daughter’s side through the hospitalizations and treatments,
and his self-employed father is struggling to keep his business afloat.
They all depend on Natan to run the household.”

As a result, Natan is often late to class, and leaves early to be home
for his siblings. His absences are far more frequent. “Natan’s welfare
is now our number one priority,” Rabbi Rosencrantz asserts. “We’ve
mobilized efforts to come to his aid, from intensive private tutoring to
ongoing emotional support from our social worker and rabbis. His
tuition fees have been completely waived to lessen one burden on his
financially-strapped parents. We’re aiming to give this youngster the
stamina to face a mighty burden for as long as he’s needed. His family
is depending on him, and we’re at his side.”