This past Shabbos, May 23-24, the Englewood Jewish community once again opened its hearts and homes for Chai Lifeline’s 14th annual Englewood Shabbaton—a deeply moving weekend filled with connection, compassion, and unwavering community support. The Shabbaton welcomed over 60 Chai Lifeline children and teens and brought together more than 150 participants for a weekend of unity and simcha.
The weekend kicked off with a lively Friday afternoon welcome event at East Hill Synagogue, followed by davening and a communal Friday night Seudah at Congregation Ahavath Torah. High school girls in 11th and 12th grade joined the meal, sharing in meaningful conversation and connection with Chai Lifeline campers.
Shabbos morning began with Shacharis at Ahavath Torah and continued with a community-wide kiddush, generously sponsored by Jonathan and Lisa Schechter, uniting members of shuls across Englewood. A featured speaker, a high school student marking the one-year anniversary of her cancer diagnosis, shared her story of diagnosis, treatment, and resilience. She reflected on the tremendous Hashgacha Pratis (divine intervention) that led to her diagnosis, and how Camp Simcha and Chai Lifeline became her second family during her most difficult year.
Afternoon highlights included a “Fun in the Sun” activity and a Seudah, joined by 9th and 10th grade girls. After lunch, Women from across the community were welcomed to an afternoon tea and Oneg graciously hosted by Careena and Drew Parker, featuring a magic show by renowned magician, Eliyahu Joseph.
At Seudah Shlishit, sponsored by Danny and Thalia Federbush, two voices brought the weekend’s message home. Rue Taubes, mother of a medically fragile child, spoke about the isolation that comes with invisible illness and the community she discovered through Chai Lifeline. “As parents, Chai Lifeline has done so much for us,” she shared. “But as you will have heard from the girls themselves this weekend, knowing they are embraced by a wider circle, by people who understand and care, can make all the difference for these children.”
Sixteen-year-old Miri Epstein, a Camp Simcha camper, shared her journey through multiple heart surgeries and a current battle with thyroid cancer. Her humor and Emunah lit up the room. “My body has been broken again and again. But my spirit? It never gave up,” she said. “Thank you for recharging us all.”
The Shabbaton closed with maariv, a soulful musical havdalah, and an energetic Motzei Shabbos celebration with a DJ and dancing—an uplifting and joyful finale for high school girls and women from across the community.
Chai Lifeline extends heartfelt thanks to Lori Schlakman, Deborah Berger, Jodi Cohen, and all the volunteers, hosts, and community members who made this Shabbaton possible. Their dedication helped create a space where every camper felt seen, celebrated, and embraced.
