The Zevulun becomes an equal partner with the Yissochor, thereby enabling him to access what the Yissochor gains through his Torah learning as if he has learnt himself. The partnership is similar to the way a wife partners with her husband's Torah study.

Achim makes the partnering of Yissochor and Zevulun easy and affordable. It takes verified Torah learners and matches them with either a corporate sponsor or groups of individuals, each of whom provide support according to their ability. In this way, individuals for whom the cost of a Yissochor Zevulun partnership would be prohibitive on their own, can club together to support a Yissochor, and so receive the benefit of a traditional Yissochor Zevulun partnership.

Exactly the same as is given to a regular Zevulun in quality, with the quantity of reward each person receives being in proportion to the amount of his support.

With Achim, at the individual level we ask for a minimum support of £600 per year, either as a one-off payment, or spread out throughout the year - for example £50 per month. At the corporate level we look for support of £1100 per year.

The scheme is based on the way the Chofetz Chaim sets down the Yissochor Zevulun arrangement. One of his stipulations is that if a single Zevulun cannot afford to support a Yissochor, he may form a group of people to do so, as long as each partner's support is more than was already incumbent on him through the Mitzvah of Hachzokas Torah, which is also income related. £600 is the real monthly cost to us of a member of the Kollel, and in our experience £600 would also be more than most individuals would be required to give for regular Hachzokas Torah, which makes it qualify for a Yissochor Zevulun partnership. In the corporate category, we look for a yearly sponsorship at £13200. A Yissochor provides a vital contribution to the success of any business, and we would expect him to be treated as a yearly business expense.

With Achim, you just need to satisfy the entry level that qualifies to become a Zevulun: £600 per year. This equates to one month's support. Finding the other 11 months of support required is the task of the Achim Scheme, (unless of course you want to establish your own specific group of 12 people which you are welcome to do).

The root of the Achim Scheme is found in Shulchan Oruch (Yoreh Deah 246/1) and expounded in the Sefer Shem Olam (Kol Kisvei Chofetz Chaim - Shar Hischazkus 6). A small booklet outlining the Halachic basis for the scheme is available on request for further examination.

One cannot use Ma'aser money to pay off existing obligations. Since by committing to this support it becomes an obligation, if one wishes to use Ma'aser money for a Yissochor Zevulun partnership, one must make this a precondition to the agreement and then it would be permissible.

At the corporate level, or for individuals fully sponsoring a single Avriech, we will offer this service. Similarly, for groups who fully sponsor an Avreich. If you are supporting just one month we will not usually off er this service.

Achim sets guidelines for the Yungerleit it creates partnerships for and makes sure they are keeping up with their commitments.

Once the period relating to the agreed support is over, we would need a new contract. Achim would generally look to renew a contract each year, but if specified a contract can be made for longer.