As the holiest days of the year give way to the joyous anticipation of Sukkos, most of us are busy building sukkahs, acquiring our arba minim, and preparing for festive yom tov meals. But for families fighting pediatric illness, the calendar brings a different reality: treatments, surgeries, and split homes between the hospital bedside and the children left behind. Instead of a time of rest, preparing for Tom Tov can feel like an insurmountable mountain.
Across the country, Chai Lifeline’s staff and dedicated volunteers have already been stepping into that breach, guiding families through Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and now working tirelessly to lift the weight of Sukkos preparation and bring the warmth and simchas Yom Tov directly to those who need it most.
“Yom Tov should be a time for families to come together, but for families facing serious illness, the realities of hospital stays, treatments, and caregiving do not pause for the holiday,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline. “Our staff and volunteers work to take some of that weight off their shoulders, whether that means delivering a meal, building a sukkah, or providing much-needed respite. These may seem like simple acts, but for a family in the midst of a crisis, they can make all the difference.”
From coast to coast, Chai Lifeline ensures that no family faces the season alone, wrapping practical assistance in deep warmth and dignity through a massive, coordinated nationwide effort.
Thousands of families are receiving comprehensive Yom Tov support, including delicious meals delivered to homes and hospitals, and critical financial assistance through the Evan Levy Z”L Fund to help offset seasonal expenses. To ensure simchas ha-chag, Chai Lifeline volunteers are building sukkahs at hospitals and homes in crisis, supplying arba minim, decorating hospital rooms, and delivering toys, books, and gifts. Volunteers also provide essential in-hospital respite care to give exhausted parents a much-needed break. Additionally, Chai Lifeline is arranging exciting Chol Hamoed outings nationwide, featuring special trips to Hersheypark, Rosenfeld Ranch, and local amusement parks.
“Our families are dealing with enough during the year, and Yom Tov can bring another layer of challenges,” added Rabbi Mordechai Gobioff, MSW, National Director of Client Services. “We’re here to ease that burden with the practical support families need, while also finding ways to bring some simcha to the holiday.”
To support Chai Lifeline and bring comfort to families in crisis, visit www.chailifeline.org.
