In response to the devastating situation in Israel, Chai Lifeline, a leading international support network, has expanded its Crisis Services team to help those impacted by the worst civilian massacre in the country’s history. Chai Lifeline has announced the opening of a dedicated 24-hour crisis line to cater to Israel’s Anglo community, English-speaking students attending yeshivas and seminaries, as well as English-speaking parents of students in Israel.
The stunned sadness that is circulating throughout the Jewish world right now has left us with an aching wound. The images, the statistics, and the timing of the attacks on our loved ones, our brothers and our sisters in the Holy Land, are painful to envision and are very frightening. As the rest of the world looks on from a safe distance and forms its opinions, the Jewish people are, collectively, right there in Eretz Yisroel in our hearts, our minds, and in our souls. A discerning adult will pause, look inward, connect with their thoughts, their emotions, their visceral reactions, and their spiritual strife.
We adults must also formulate a discerning and sensitive response to our young ones, our children, and our students.
Please consider and utilize the following tools and pointers in addressing children, because it is most important to speak with them, to model for them your best wholesome responses, and to guide them through their own reactions.
Chai Lifeline, the leading Jewish support network for children, families, and communities impacted by medical crises and trauma, is pleased to announce the addition of Moshe Buchman and Bari Erber to its Board of Directors.
Yom Tov is a time for families to come together, connect and immerse in the simcha of the new year. For families with seriously ill children or who have recently experienced trauma or loss, the holidays can often be filled with struggle or pain. Chai Lifeline has worked tirelessly to restore a sense of normalcy, deliver happiness, and provide respite and support to these families during the Yom Tov season. Staff and volunteers in the, New York, New Jersey/Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Southeast, and West Coast regional offices of Chai Lifeline have been actively involved with a variety of projects to benefit families and communities across the U.S.
The recently published Chai Lifeline Impact Report communicates the power of community and the presence of Chai Lifeline in every community where someone is faced with illness, crisis, and loss.
The Boro Park community turned out in full force to celebrate the grand opening of the Chai Lifeline Family Center on Sunday, September 10. Hundreds gathered to watch the beautiful kevias [affixing] mezuzah ceremony led by the Stuchiner Rebbe, Reb Lazer Yudkovsky, and enjoyed balloons, games, and an ice cream truck, as they marked the momentous occasion.
Camp Simcha, Chai Lifeline’s transformative summer haven for children with cancer, disabilities, and chronic medical conditions in Glen Spey, NY, received a special surprise visit from Super Bowl champion and star running back Leonard Fournette on Sunday, August 13.
Chai Lifeline had the distinct privilege to welcome HaGaon HaRav Reuven Feinstein shlita to the Camp Simcha grounds in Glen Spey, NY, on Thursday, August 4. Rav Feinstein, the Rosh Yeshiva of the Yeshiva of Staten Island, received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the campers and staff as he made his entrance into the dining hall, where he delivered words of chizuk and bracha.
More than 675 cyclists with one shared goal are gearing up for the largest Bike4Chai experience to date. The renowned, premier cycling event benefitting Chai Lifeline will set out from Kalahari Resort in the Poconos to “The World’s Greatest Finish Line” at Camp Simcha in Glen Spey, NY. Riders will celebrate their 165-mile journey with campers, staff, family, and friends.
HaRav Yitzchok Lichtenstein, Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Vodaas, paid a special visit to Camp Simcha, Chai Lifeline’s medically supervised summer program for children with cancer and other serious illnesses in Glen Spey, NY, on Thursday, June 29. The visit was a highlight for the campers and staff as they begin another summer of Simcha.