From children’s activities and cleaning assistance to meal preparation and Chol Hamoed trips, Chai Lifeline gives families living with illness Pesach “freedom”
Shortly after cleaning out Mishloach Manos from Purim, Jews around the world start getting their homes ready for Pesach. While the frenzied cleanup, shopping and cooking can be stressful for many, it is especially challenging for families living with pediatric illness. Fortunately, Chai Lifeline is there to help, enabling those families to have a more relaxing and enjoyable Pesach.
To keep young children entertained while parents prepare for the chag, Chai Lifeline will host pre-Pesach children’s events in Brooklyn, in the coming weeks, featuring entertainment by the Parrot Rebbe and a magician, as well as arts-and-crafts activities. Achim B’Yachad, the Chassidish division of Chai Lifeline, will also lend parents a hand, taking young children on a trip Thursday, April 18, the day of Bedikas Chametz.
Cleanup doesn’t stop in the house. A team of car washers throughout the New York and New Jersey areas will help Chai Lifeline families make their cars chametz-free and shine like new.
With yom tov around the corner, Chai Lifeline is here to help everyone look and feel their best. The Capelli Hair Salon in Brooklyn will be giving haircuts to girls fully sponsored by Chai Lifeline. For the boys, Achim B’Yachad will also be providing free haircuts.
Fun activities are anticipated during Pesach as well. On the first day Chol Hamoed, Chai Lifeline families will enjoy a trip to Keansburg Amusement Park in New Jersey. Free tickets and snacks will be distributed by Chai Lifeline.
Monetary support for the chag has also been provided. Nearly 80 families in need in the New York area have received financial assistance from an anonymous donor to help cover Pesach expenses. Additionally, the Danny Weingarten Afikoman Fund will give out gift cards to Target and various stores to Chai Lifeline children across the country.
Meal preparation for Pesach can be overwhelming, but Chai Lifeline is there to help, offering grocery cash cards to local families. For several families in crisis, Chai Lifeline will send cooked gourmet meals to hospitals and homes for the entire Pesach.
“For families living with serious illness, Pesach preparations can be especially challenging,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, Chief Executive Officer of Chai Lifeline. “Throughout the year, Chai Lifeline is there to assist them and Pesach is no exception. This Pesach we hope that each family experiences Zman Chairusainu on a physical level as well as a spiritual one.”
