When 16-year-old Rivka Shotkin of Passaic, NJ, crossed the finish line at the 2023 Miami Marathon, she did so to the cheers of hundreds of supporters. Paralyzed from the chest down after a ski accident in 2021 that left her with broken bones, punctured lungs, and a severed spinal cord, Rivka was surrounded by family and friends running alongside as she pushed her wheelchair to the encouraging chants of her teammates.
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Purim is fast approaching! Before you know it, we will be busy getting the kids into their costumes, running to megillah, preparing for the seuda, and so much more. To help keep the day stress-free and truly full of simcha, consider sending some Chai Lifeline Purim cards in lieu of mishloach manos this year. Purim Cards are a great way to support a tzedakah you care about, while including the recipient in the mitzvah—all in a meaningful and convenient way.
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In response to the tragic plane crash which claimed the lives of two beloved members of the Cleveland Jewish community, Chai Lifeline’s Crisis Team has been providing immediate and ongoing support to local organizations and schools.
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Volunteer trainings taking place in communities across the globe
In the wake of recent tragic events, Chai Lifeline has been working closely with Jewish communities across the U.S. and around the world to train and recruit local volunteers in crisis and trauma response.
“A singular traumatic event can have a long-term impact on our children, families, and communities for years to come,” said Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox, director of Chai Lifeline Crisis Services. “Sadly, many tragedies in recent years—from illness diagnoses and sudden deaths to natural disasters and the war in Ukraine—have brought this issue to the forefront.”
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More than 1,100 children living with serious illnesses and their families got into the Chanukah spirit at Chai Lifeline’s annual Chanukah Party, on December 11 at The Art Factory in Paterson, NJ. The “Street Fair” themed event, which was sponsored by Chemed Health, drew families from across the tri-state area for delicious food, exciting games and prizes, and a fun night out to connect with other families and friends.
Participants of all ages enjoyed an array of barbecue and fresh donuts, as well as a variety of activities, including virtual reality competitions, cash booths, remote control racing, arts & crafts projects, and more. Yitzy Haber and Donny Weinraub of The Shnitzel Guys emceed the festivities, which featured a rocking concert from Moshe Tischler, as well as exotic animals, carnival jugglers, and stilt walkers.
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While the Camp Simcha campus is traditionally filled with children and teens enjoying the beloved summer camp experience, the sprawling campsite in Glen Spey, NY was the recent site of a Chai Lifeline family retreat, December 2-3.
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More than 800 people turned out to celebrate Chai Lifeline at its National Gala on Monday, December 5, at Pier Sixty, New York City. The program, titled “An Evening of Heroes,” highlighted the critical work of Chai Lifeline, the Jewish community’s leading children’s health support network, and benefitted families living with serious illness, crisis, and loss.
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In advance of the upcoming Chanukah season, Chai Lifeline has announced the launch of their annual toy drive with hopes to distribute over 50,000 gifts to more than 10,000 children around the globe.
As an international network supporting children and families impacted by serious illnesses, crisis, and loss, Chai Lifeline works to ensure that each individual gift meets the specific needs or interests of the child who will receive them.
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Addressing the growing need for mental health first-responders in Jewish communities around the globe, Rabbi Dr. David Fox, Director of Chai Lifeline Crisis Services, recently traveled to London to train local educators and communal leaders in trauma response. In recent years, Chai Lifeline has been instrumental in working with communities around the world in the wake of all types of disasters, attacks, tragedies, and traumatic events.
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Chai Lifeline will celebrate its 2022 National Gala on Monday, December 5, at Pier Sixty in New York City. The program, titled “An Evening of Heroes,” will highlight the critical work of Chai Lifeline, the Jewish community’s leading children’s health support network, and benefit families living with serious illness, crisis, and loss.
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