What drew me to Chai Lifeline was seeing and hearing about so much pain and suffering and not being able to help. My position at Chai Lifeline, allows me to respond to illness and make a difference in the world. As a case manager, my day-to-day is always really different however, I generally spend my time building relationships with both families and volunteers. This is in addition to the general event planning and supporting families, through respite, big siblings programs, helping with errands or meals, etc. My favorite part of the job is connecting with families on a personal level and being able to alleviate their burden, even just a little bit, during a difficult time.
Announcing the Dedication of The Herzka Children and Family Services Center Dedicated by Ralph and Yenny Herzka and Chuny and Chavi Herzka in Memory of Their Parents/ Grandparents
Chai Lifeline New Jersey, serving more than 1,000 families in the Lakewood area facing illness and crisis, has just closed on a 4-acre property. A 50,000 square foot, state-of-the-art home for children and families is set to be constructed on the site. The transformational new center will serve as the heart of all current Chai Lifeline New Jersey services as well as host an array of vital new programs and services.
I found out about Chai Lifeline back in 1995. I was in Hackensack Hospital in New Jersey as part of a sales job when I saw a Jewish couple. I asked if I could assist in any way but they replied that they were already being helped by Chai Lifeline. That was when I called Chai Lifeline and signed up to be a volunteer.
With the opening of CHOP King of Prussia, a new branch of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Chai Lifeline opened a new, fully-stocked Kosher Pantry to meet the needs of families in the hospital. On the day the King of Prussia hospital first opened its doors, the kosher pantry was ready and inviting with an assortment of delicious food, drinks, and other amenities, to ensure that families have everything they need during their stay in the hospital.
“Plans for the King of Prussia pantry were in motion for months,” said Rabbi Aharon Koslowitz, Director of Chai Lifeline NJ/PA Community Services. “The careful thought that was put into the food options, additional items, and layout of the pantry has resulted in a true haven for families in the hospital. “
Dozens of families have already benefitted from the comfortable and inviting room, taking advantage of the oasis of calm in the hectic hospital setting to eat a wholesome meal and recharge for a short while before returning to their children’s bedside.
“Positive feedback from community members who have visited CHOP King of Prussia has been pouring in,” said Mrs. Nataly Weiss, Chai Lifeline Director of Leadership Development. “They’re grateful to know that no matter the CHOP location, they can always rely on Chai Lifeline’s kosher pantry for nourishment.”
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Main Campus Kosher Pantry and the CHOP King of Prussia Kosher Pantry are both fully stocked and available to all families in the hospital requiring kosher food. For any questions about the pantry, sponsorship opportunities, or to get in touch with a CHOP case manager for other services available in the hospital, please email nj@chailifeline.org or call 732-719-1700.
On Sunday March 6th, over 300 Chai Lifeline West Coast children and parents came together for an “Off the Wall” Purim celebration. The party took place at Off the Wall Family Fun Center in Woodland Hills. The kids enjoyed the many fun and thrilling attractions including extreme slides, obstacle courses, moon bounces, bumper cars, ropes courses, rock walls, laser tag, arcades, arts and crafts and delicious food.
Chai Lifeline, the leading children’s health support network, has announced the formation of an advisory board to help provide strategic guidance and leadership to its Mid-Atlantic region. The new members of the board include Eliezer Abramson, Dovid Barer, Bill Galkin, Sharon Galkin, Gamliel Hakerman, Daniel Ketabian, Eli Portnoy, Michal Seidemann, and Dovid Weinberger.
While the practical and medical needs of the refugees from the Ukrainian war have elicited a massive international response, the emotional and mental toll the crisis is taking on refugees—as well as the global community at large—is getting far less attention. In recent days, Chai Lifeline has been working to fill that gap by providing training and resources to Jewish communities and organizations to help people deal with the immense mental traumas that can come with such crises.
For families with children with disabilities, the seemingly simple task of getting around can be a daunting challenge. Day-to-day activities, like getting to therapy and medical appointments, are often overwhelming and require complex planning. The availability and cost of accessible vehicles can also be extremely prohibitive.
Eight years ago on a spring Shabbos morning, my wife said she was not feeling well. An hour later she was in the ICU paralyzed from the neck down. That day turned our world upside down. I was introduced to Chai Lifeline, which I had thought was simply a nice organization that gives sick kids gifts and takes them to Disney World, but over the next few months, I had realized how wrong I was. Chai Lifeline became a huge part of our lives.
On March 6, more than 200 Chai Lifeline families and local community members took part in the Chai Lifeline Southeast annual Purim party in Hollywood, Florida. Led by volunteer Samantha Fischler, the party was held in the Brauser Maimonides Academy. Kids and parents alike enjoyed carnival games, an exciting costume competition, and even a special appearance by Miami Heat mascot Burnie.
