As Jews everywhere prepare their homes for Rosh Hashana and Sukkos, families struggling with the challenges of serious illness face an even heavier burden. In the midst of hospital stays, mounting medical bills, and the exhaustion of caring for a sick child, the thought of Yom Tov can feel anything but joyous.
That’s why, in community after community, Chai Lifeline staff and volunteers are working around the clock to ensure no family is left to navigate the holidays alone.
In the weeks leading up to Rosh Hashana, Chai Lifeline regions across New York, New Jersey, the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, and West Coast have been coordinating practical, financial, and emotional Yom Tov support for families in need.
Thousands of meals and grocery packages are being delivered to homes and hospitals for those unable to prepare on their own, along with beautiful dinnerware to help enhance the Yom Tov experience. Families struggling under the weight of medical expenses are receiving financial assistance, as well as help with pre-Yom Tov needs such as wash-and-sets and sukkah building. To bring added simcha to the holidays, each region is also arranging special programming and Chol Hamoed outings for children and their siblings.
“Illness doesn’t stop for Yom Tov,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline. “But neither does the chesed of Klal Yisroel. Our staff, volunteers, and supporters ensure that every family, no matter what they’re going through, can welcome the new year with hope, and joy.”
Rabbi Mordechai Gobioff, Chai Lifeline’s National Director of Client Services, added, “Each package delivered, each meal prepared, each sukkah built is a message to our families: you are not alone. Klal Yisroel stands with you, carrying your burdens and helping you find moments of simcha during Yom Tov.”
Thanks to the generosity of Chai Lifeline’s supporters and the dedication of its volunteers, hundreds of families facing the unimaginable will sit at their Yom Tov tables this year with a little more peace of mind, a little more strength, and the comforting knowledge that the Jewish community is by their side.
To support Chai Lifeline families this Rosh Hashanah, visit chailifeline.org/rh.
