Letter from the founder

When October 7 happened, I saw so many people suddenly afraid to show their Judaism in public. Instead of rallying around a targeted community, the world reacted with a tidal wave of antisemitism. It was jarring and painful, and it made me realize how deeply we needed visible, proud, comforting Jewish representation.

There was also a clear gap. Jewish pride apparel often didn’t feel wearable or stylish, and people wanted something they could put on that made them feel safe, strong, and seen. That’s where our logo came from. Chai means life, the heart symbolizes love, and the cape represents strength. It started on kids’ tees because that felt like the gentlest place to begin. We put the design out into the world, and people immediately connected to it.

From there, everything grew. We began selling sweatshirts and sending baskets to families in Israel who were directly impacted by the attacks. As orders increased, so did the stories. Families of hostages and Nova survivors reached out to say that the baskets we hand delivered brought them comfort and reminded them they were not alone. We began shipping sweaters across the country and building grassroots momentum that I never expected.

The Bibas sweater was created in honor of the Bibas family. It was a bright orange symbol of solidarity, and every single dollar of profit went to support Yarden Bibas’s rehabilitation. Hundreds of orders came in within hours. We raised thirteen thousand dollars from inside my home. After Iran attacked Israel, we created the Bat Yam sweater and sent baskets to families whose homes were destroyed as they attempted to rebuild their lives.

Chai Vekayam started as therapy, a way to turn pain into purpose, and it has become a mission to create real impact for our community. Every piece we design and every project we support is rooted in the belief that Jewish life is sacred, enduring, and worth uplifting.

Thank you for being part of this family. May we continue wearing our Jewish pride with courage and strength.

Am Yisrael Chai.

Sonya

Reflecting on Our Impact Together

As we reach the end of 2025, I’ve been reflecting on everything Chai Vekayam has been able to build together with you. This year carried deep heartbreak and extraordinary courage, and through it all, our community chose to respond with generosity, action, and pride.

Because of you, Chai Vekayam supported seven fundraisers this year alone. Together, we raised over $13,400 for Yarden Bibas’ rehabilitation through the Bibas Sweater initiative. We sent 84 care baskets to families in Israel, all assembled by an Israeli small business that sources every product locally. We created the Blue Bat Yam Sweater to support families whose homes were destroyed, and the Gray 8104 Sweater to fund equipment for IDF Unit 8104. We raised funds for LA wildfire relief, supported an Ometz youth cohort fundraiser benefiting an IDF dinner, and raised over $1,700 through Boots for Israel. What began as small, grassroots efforts became real, tangible impact because this community showed up.

This year, Chai Vekayam also partnered with eight Jewish businesses and organizations, including Coastal Tribe San Diego, Chai Society AZ, Casa26, Friends of Kayla, Roxo Salon, Meetoosh, Ken Jewish Community, and dyeGirl. These collaborations expanded what Jewish pride can look like when creativity, commerce, and purpose meet.

On campuses, we worked with five universities and schools: Elon University Chabad, University of Arkansas Hillel, Chapman University Chabad, Kansas University SSI, and Brandeis School. In a year when antisemitism made visibility feel vulnerable, these partnerships gave students a way to show up boldly and proudly, wearing their identity with confidence and community behind them.

We gathered in person more than ever before, hosting 11 events that brought people together in meaningful ways. From Shabbat dinners and holiday celebrations to launch parties, popups, and community gatherings, these moments reminded us that Jewish life is lived through connection. In total, Chai Vekayam showed up at 26 booths and popups across 13 cities, including Philadelphia, San Diego, Chicago, Orange County, Dallas, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Miami, Queens, Brooklyn, and more. Every city, every table, every conversation mattered.

So many of us are connected to someone who was murdered at Nova or held hostage in Gaza. That pain is personal and collective. It can feel overwhelming and helpless. But through Chai Vekayam, we’ve been able to turn grief into action, fear into presence, and isolation into community. By sending baskets, raising funds, attending events, and choosing to wear Jewish pride visibly, we answered hate with love and silence with strength.

Every sweatshirt worn, every keychain clipped, every event attended became part of this impact. None of this happened without you. This community is the reason Chai Vekayam exists, and the reason it continues to grow.

Thank you for being part of the Chai Vekayam family. Together, we are living proof of what it means to endure, to show up, and to keep choosing light.

Chai Vekayam. Am Yisrael Chai.