Yeshiva World News

On the morning of June 27, Camp Simcha Special, Chai Lifeline’s overnight camp for chronically ill children and teens, looked like any other summer camp as counselors and staff completed preparations for that afternoon’s arrivals. It was only as cars and buses pulled in and children with wheelchairs, walkers, and a plethora of medical equipment alit that the true nature of the camp was revealed.

This is no ordinary camp. The 230 children and teens who will spend refreshing and life-affirming weeks on the campus this summer are too medically compromised to go to other overnight camps. Together, they have more than a hundred different diagnoses. About 25% are “technology dependent,” as Dr. Robert Van Amerongen, the camp’s medical director, describes the children who require feeding tubes, supplemental oxygen or ventilators. It is this group that Dr. Van, as he known by one and all, and his staff, are concerned with as the night stars burn brightly and the campers get ready for bed.

It is already 10:00 PM when Dr. Van, the paramedics and respiratory therapist convene for night rounds. The nurses (there are eight in camp at any one time) are already going from bunk to bunk to distribute medication and make sure that the girls are comfortable. These rounds will check on equipment.

“Medical equipment is temperamental,” Dr. Van explains. “Changes in temperature, humidity, even altitude, can throw them off. We go from bunk to bunk to make sure that they are working correctly.”

Raanan Zidile, a paramedic who is spending his fifth summer at Camp Simcha Special adds, “The counselors have been extensively trained and they are familiar with the equipment. Many have been paired with their campers for years, and know their families. They understand all the issues. But we want to reassure them that they can call us at any time during the night if something happens or they’re not comfortable with the situation.” The medical staff has a rotating “on-call” schedule of physicians, paramedics, and nurses, and the staff repeats to counselors that they are always available.

Almost as soon as rounds begin, the staff convenes for a conference outside a bunk. A parent has rented a Pulsox, which measures oxygen saturation in the blood, for her child, but the company has delivered the wrong probe. It is already 11:00. Dr. Van decides against calling the parents. Instead, they swap out the unit for one that is already in camp and note that the parents will be called in the morning. The company will send the probe via overnight mail.

The respiratory therapist is nonplussed. “These things happen. We always have extras in camp,” he says.

The team walks into Camp Simcha’s newest cabin, the prototype for planned renovations. Inside the spacious interior are two bunks linked by a common area. Each inside room is delineated by pods of two beds separated by half walls. As the group moves to one of the pods, the reason becomes obvious. The young woman is hooked up to a machine that provides nutrition, and the half wall, so unnecessary in a regular camp, affords her an extra degree of privacy. Dr. Van speaks softly to the camper and counselor duo, checks the equipment, and says “Goodnight.”

“Go to sleep, girls,” he calls as he leaves. The girls of Camp Simcha Special are like their healthy peers in other camps: like to stay up late talking to one another. For many of them, however, exhaustion brings a host of medical issues, and Dr. Van wants to keep them out of the medical center.

Because campers don’t always admit that they are not feeling well, Dr. Van has embedded nurses into every division this summer. The hope is that divisional nurses will get to know the campers more personally, enabling them to better safeguard health. Routine care, like administering the thousands of pills that are distributed daily, will also be easier.

“This isn’t a hospital, even though there is a lot of medical care going on. We strive to diminish the boundaries between camp and care,” explains Dr. Van.

Dr. Van stops to speak with one of the other doctors. “Call me if anything develops,” the physician says, even though he is not on call that night.

“Usually when a doctor is called, a lot of people on the staff will volunteer,” Dr. Van says. “We like to bounce ideas off one another.”

“Two buckets will put out the fire faster,” the other physician adds.

At the end of rounds, the medical staff reconvenes in the medical center. Surrounded by brightly painted murals depicting a fantasy farm, the nurses, paramedics, respiratory therapist, physicians and the camp’s associate director, a social worker, review the day and plan for the next. As the meeting is breaking up, the phone rings, the first call of the night. Two paramedics and a doctor are out the door almost before the phone is put back into its cradle.

Summer has begun at Camp Simcha Special.

Camp Simcha Special is named in memory of Zvi Dovid Obstfeld. For more information about Camp Simcha Special, visit www.campsimcha.org. For information about Chai Lifeline and its programs, visit www.chailifeline.org or email info@chailifeline.org.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Dear Friend,

A year has passed since the tragic death of our dear son Leiby. (Yehuda ben Nachman)

With the approach of the first anniversary of his death on Yud Aleph Tamuz (July 1st), comes deep reflection upon an innocent life cut so short. The pain surrounding our loss is more tangible than ever, as we vividly recall the final agonizing moments of Leiby’s short lifetime. With his yahrtzeit upon us, the struggle to comprehend and cope with this tragedy gets increasingly stronger. The Leiby Kletzky Memorial Fund was formed as a way to bring solace to all and ensure his memory would live on. The Fund is dedicated to helping families that are facing medical, tragic, or other urgent crises.

Leiby Kletzky Camp Fund, a division of the Memorial Fund was organized to protect children from abusive homes. Children that come from abusive or troubled homes are often neglected and forced to fend for themselves. These children are confused and distressed, not knowing a carefree youth or feeling the affection of someone close. They face a constant threat of danger, at the place they call home and at the hands of the very people who are supposed to love and protect them. For these unfortunate children, summer camp is a safe haven – a desperately needed respite. For these children camp is not a luxury, but an absolute necessity that literally changes their lives.

For these kids, summer vacation isn’t just freedom from school, homework and tests. It is freedom from abuse, isolation and neglect.

These children are provided for with care, affection, and fun, that unlike most children, they don’t experience all year long. The Leiby Kletzky Camp Fund provides these children with clothing, shoes, bedding – whatever they lack – due to a lifetime of deprivation. The benefits of summer camp last a lifetime and are means by which these children can learn and grow.

Leiby was a little boy too innocent to be aware of any danger, and we lost him in a manner so beyond our control and one that we were so helpless to prevent. But we are very aware of youths in troubled homes and the lurking dangers they face. We can can rescue them! We are in a position to help prevent them from suffering a tragic fate. BUT WE DESPERATELY NEED YOUR HELP.

Summer camps are not subsidized by government aid, so it is critical that each and every one of us reaches out to support this cause. We appeal to your generosity for the sake of these innocent, precious children. In the merit of protecting our less fortunate young ones, may G-d bless you with good health and tidings and may your children bring you pride and joy always.

Nachman & Esty Kletzky.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

PREVIOUS YWN REPORTING:

Click HERE for initial YWN report of Leiby Goes Missing

Click HERE for 22 hours later…& no sign of Leiby

Click HERE for report when Leiby was spotted on CCTV.

Click HERE to watch video of Leiby walking.

Click HERE for the YWN coverage of the Levaya.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

This past Sunday, Mordechai Ben David went on a cruise on the Hudson River. A dozen crewmembers and four hundred passengers joined him aboard the magnificent Vista Jubilee. From the time they departed until docking it was only three hours, but the experience was once-in-a-lifetime.

Misameach did what they do best: bringing smiles to children’s faces. Hundreds of patients and families were treated to an afternoon cruise with the best in the Jewish entertainment world. MBD led a kumzitz on the boat, with Beri Weber accompanying. Shlomo “Hadarshan” Juravel was a comic relief, and passengers enjoyed an elegant buffet cuisine.

Sno-cones, cotton candy, balloons, clowns, giftbags, and live music/kumzitz, were all provided for the children and their families. As the boat passed the Statue of Liberty and other famous NYC landmarks, a live show was performed by the NYPD Harbor Unit. A police escort was present for the entire boat ride as well. The patients disembarked rejuvenated, hopeful, and – most importantly – smiling. The three-hour operation was labeled a resonant success.

Misameach is a volunteer organization based out of NJ which provides entertainment and relief to patients with serious illnesses and their families. They currently have services in the tri-state area, Maryland, Boston, and along much of the East Coast.

YWN PHOTO LINK: Click HERE for photos by Hillel Engel

There is a buzz in the air! YEDIDIM’s international “Are You GAME?!” night 2012 is around the corner!

Sounds exciting…but what’s YEDIDIM, you may be asking?

You may not be familiar (yet) with the organization known as YEDIDIM, but no doubt someone you know, be it a yeshiva bachur, Cheder boy or a Bais Yaakov girl learning in Israel, has benefitted on some level from their work.

YEDIDIM is the largest Anglo Big brother/ sister program in Eretz Yisroel.

YEDIDIM helps youth of Anglo background overcome the many challenges facing adolescents in today’s world. Through its very successful mentoring programs, YEDIDIM inspires and empowers them to stay on the right path, avoiding the pitfalls that would otherwise put them “at risk”. YEDIDIM helps prevent the problems before they happen in the first place; obviously the preferred method.

YEDIDIM has three main divisions which help youth in various stages of life.

The first program, YEDIDIM’s mentoring program works with boys who come to Eretz Yisroel to learn for a year in various Yeshivos for Americans across the land, who need a little extra boost in their learning skills and/or a little boost in their connection to Yiddishkeit. This year of mentoring gives them the strength they need when they are ready to go out on their own and set up their own Torah-true homes. YEDIDIM works with the schools and offers the know-how as well as the actual mentors to connect with their students, something the Yeshivos usually cannot do on their own.

The second YEDIDIM division focuses on Anglo high-school and post high school boys who have unfortunately strayed from the path of Torah. These youth are accepted and respected and gently shown the way back to a life of Torah and Mitzvos.

The third YEDIDIM division, and perhaps their pivotal project, is working with Anglo youth who reside in Eretz Yisroel who display signs of weakness in areas of Torah observance. Working hand-in-hand with parents and schools, YEDIDIM reaches these youth before they fall away and does whatever is necessary to achieve this lofty goal. Sometimes it means getting a better school to accept them, sometimes a good family to take them in, whatever it takes to assist these precious Neshamos in riding out the turbulent waves in the storm of their adolescent years.

YEDIDIM has the staunch support of Gedolei Yisroel, including Rav Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz Zatzal, Rav Chaim Pinchos Scheinberg Zatzal and YBLC”T Rav Moshe Shapiro Shlita, just to name a few.

To date, YEDIDIM has helped thousands of boys and girls become productive members of Klal Yisroel.

Besides for the standard big brother/big sister programs, YEDIDIM has some specialty programs which help boys and girls who are displaying clear signs of low self-esteem and self-worth, an issue that many teens of today struggle with, rekindle their soul before they get lost.

Specially trained YEDIDIM Mentors familiar with the nisyonos of the day and armed with the knowledge and know-how to reach the teens of today, who struggle with a myriad of issues present in modern society, help them combat their low self-esteem related issues, have had tremendous success with countless youth in this vital area.

Besides for the ongoing training seminars for mentors, YEDIDIM also offers a popular four week summer seminar for educators, called “Connecting with Today’s Teens” which offers a vast amount of timely and pertinent information for educators who teach teen-age youth. These seminars are raved about – by Mechanchim and mentors alike – for their clarity, usefulness and realistic “down-to-earth” approach.

One of the ways in which YEDIDIM finances their activities – salaries for mentors, Shabbatons for youth, seminar costs etc. – is their annual “INTERNATIONAL ‘Are You GAME?!’ NIGHT”, a fun and exciting program with participants across the globe.

Participants compete in a specially designed quiz program, provided by YEDIDIM and designed to have something for everyone, regardless of background or level, with various levels of prizes and incentives for the winners of the program.

Anyone who is interested in being a hostess can organize an event in their own home, any night during the week of July 1-7 2012, and have a fun-filled evening while at the same time helping YEDIDIM help the Anglo youth in Eretz Yisroel; you may even be helping someone you know personally!

Please visit YEDIDIM’s website, www.yedidimonline.com for more detailed information and rules for “INTERNATIONAL ‘Are You GAME?!’ NIGHT 2012”

For more information about YEDIDIM or to register for the event or receive a hosting package please contact YEDIDIM, In Eretz Yisroel 02-540-9000, in USA 718-640-1761 or email info@Yedidimonline.com

(L. Halevi – Writing Done Write)

In addition to daily deliveries and pick-ups, Misaskim volunteers had their hands full with other meis mitzvah related services this past week. Misaskim arranged a kosher burial for two meis mitzvaha’s and ensured another meis with a Jewish burial. The organization also welcomed two new sefer torahs to its growing family of sifrei torah.

It all began with a Misaskim volunteer who works as a manager in an assisted living facility in New Jersey. This volunteer alerted Misaskim about a Jewish niftar that was set to be cremated. The niftar did not have Medicare or Medicaid to cover burial expenses and no family member came forward to take responsibility either. Misaskim took upon itself to arrange a kosher burial, using the services provided by the Hebrew Free Burial Society. Misaskim volunteers from New Jersey and New York coordinated the transportation arrangement and brought this meis mitzvah to kevurah.

Later in the week Misaskim ensured a Jewish burial for a nifteres in Georgia. Misaskim was notified about this meis mitzvah from the nifteres’ daughter who is frum and lives in Ohio. The nifteres lived in a small community 50 miles outside of Atlanta and was married to a non-Jew. Her husband opted for a cremation since it was more affordable. When Misaskim and a local Rabbi got in touch with him and offered to take care of the burial for $2,500.00, he thought it was way too expensive. This is because he’s a veteran and was eligible for a free plot. Yet he would still have to pay for the funeral home charges that were a couple of thousand of dollars. The total cost of a cremation would cost him no more than $700.00.

Misaskim volunteers who worked on the case also learned that the nifteres’ mother was buried in Atlanta and that there was a plot available right next to her. The plot had originally been reserved for the nifters’ father. However, her father had passed away in Florida and was buried there.

The husband was offered $1000.00 to release the body. In addition, Misaskim took upon itself to foot the costs of the grave opening and other State charges. The nifteres was brought to kevura shortly thereafter.

Then, a woman from New York called Misaskim’s hotline that her aunt had passed away in Las Vegas and her friends are arranging a cremation for her. In addition, the nifteres’ body was in at the medical examiner’s office and was to undergo an autopsy. First Misaskim representatives worked with the medical examiner’s office to prevent the autopsy. Next arrangements were made with the nifteres’ friends to fly the body to New York for burial as soon as Shabbos was over.

Misaskim is pleased to relate that the week wrapped up on a positive note. Mr. and Mrs. Binyomin Pitterman graciously donated a much needed sefer torah to Misaskim. This sefer torah will be delivered to shiva homes in our communities. It will be the 19th sefer torah to join Misaskim’s family of sifrei torah. In addition, another anonymous donor donated the 20th sefer torah. This sefer torah was donated l’ilui nishmas Rabbi Yitzchok Zirkind A”H. Rabbi Zirkind was a well known talmud chachom who faithfully served the Crown Heights community with his extensive knowledge in halacha until his tragic and sudden passing at the age of 57. Rabbi Zirkind A”H was elected to the Crown Heights Bais Din as well as the executive director of the Vaad Hakashrus. Rabbi Zirkind also served as the bookkeeper for the United Bais Rivka Schools.

Misaskim is honored to have been the recipients of these two sefer torahs. We are confident that the assistance the sefer torahs will provide aveilim will be a great zchus to the donors, the rav A”H and all of Klal Yisroel.

(YWN Desk – NYC)

The Chinese proverb states that “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Over 100 cancer survivors and the people who love them – spouses and parents – took the first step in creating a uniquely Jewish network of survivors and their families at the inaugural event of R-Mission.org, the new Jewish survivor network.

They tasted a variety of wines and enjoyed delicious barbecue fare in an elegant setting, but no one forgot why they were there.

“To borrow from Al Hanissim, this event is a moment l’hodot ul’haleil l’shimcha hagadol, to give thanks and praise to Your great Name,” said psychologist Cheryl Greenberger, Ph.D., who created the program at Chai Lifeline, the international children’s health network. “Each person individually has his or her own personal Hodaah, thanks to give for where they are now. And yet, in seeing this crowd together, bonding, talking and just sitting in this safe, secure world that was formed through the creation of R-Mission.org, there is aHallel statement broadcast across the world that together, with the support of one another, we can move forward.

“Cancer changes people. People who haven’t had the illness, or haven’t been a caregiver for someone who had cancer, often expect life to go on as normal after a cancer patient finishes treatment. But for most survivors, normal is something new. R-Mission.org allows them to acknowledge and explore the changes while celebrating their survival.”

R-Mission.org is believed to be the first Jewish survivor network. “While there are other survivor programs, this is the first one that includes a Torah viewpoint. It allows survivors to acknowledge the spiritual components of their experience,” Greenberger continued, adding that the program is non-denominational. “We’re looking to be relevant to the entire spectrum of Jews.”

Greenberger stated that the event, held in a private home in Woodmere, was a success. “There was a feeling of comfort, a collective sigh of relief, as survivors and their family members began to feel that they had finally found a place where they could be understood.”

The evening included presentations by Rabbi Ephraim Eliyahu Shapiro, the morah d’asrah of Congregation Shaarey Tefilah, North Miami Beach, and psychologist Dr. David Pelcovitz, professor of psychology and education at Yeshiva University’s Azrieli Graduate School.

Rabbi Shapiro spoke of the emunah that allows us to endure treatment and to begin life anew after cancer ends. “We can all learn a lesson from the deer,” he told the rapt crowd.” Before a deer jumps forward, it looks back. Before we can move forward, we also need to look back at what we’ve been through. It gives us a greater appreciation of what’s happened in our lives. The act of looking back gives one the power to spring forward.”

“Why do we need to remind ourselves of the hard times?” Dr. Pelcovitz asked. “We thank Hashem when we have passed through them, and we want to put it behind us. But we can’t because who part of who we are comes from the lessons that we’ve learned during the hard times. It is our mission in life to integrate those lessons into the ‘good times.’” He suggested practical, hands-on ways to cope with the myriad emotions that arise after cancer treatment is completed.

Rabbi Simcha Scholar, Chai Lifeline’s executive vice president, agreed. “We are different people because of the different experience we have had. We need to address those different and unique needs that come about post cancer treatment”.

The presentations were simulcast through the R-Mission.org website, allowing participation from survivors across the globe. They can be seen in full at www.r-mission.org.

“This evening, and the beginning of R-Mission.org, is a statement broadcast around the world that together, with the support of one another, we can move forward with a spring in our step like the deer described by Rabbi Shapiro,” said Dr. Greenberger.

For more information about R-Mission.org, or to be notified of future events, visit www.r-mission.org or contact Cheryl Greenberger at 212 894-8259 or cgreenberger@r-mission.org.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

You‘re running late, about to drive to work, when you sadly realize that the keys are locked in your car. As the gas light on the dashboard glows, you desperately search for the closest gas station, but, don’t make it. The pothole you hit not only knocked you around in your seat, but also knocked all the air out of your tire. Who do you call?

Chaverim of the Five Towns and Rockaways. Chaverim 5T/R is a 100% volunteer organization. It was created to aid people with minor car problems and has grown to help people in many tough situations. Chaverim 5T/R responds to typical calls ranging from keys locked inside vehicles, flat tires, cars not starting or out-of-gas, to some unconventional emergencies such as homeowners being locked out of their house or pulling a car out of the sand. Members of Chaverim 5T/R start their day as early as the first neighborhood risers in the morning, and end as late as the last person getting home. In other words, it is a 24/6 organization. All of the members offer their time and services because they care and want to help a neighbor in need. No compensation, simply pure chesed.

It all started one day about eight years ago when someone from Far Rockaway was in Brooklyn and locked his keys in his car. He was amazed that there was an organization called Chaverim that came to his immediate help. He took this as a sign that perhaps he should start a Chaverim locally. A few dedicated people from Far Rockaway got together and eventually founded Chaverim of The Five Towns and Rockaways. Since its start, Chaverim 5T/R has quickly grown to cover thousands of calls a year and is continuously expanding the work they perform. They are recognized by both the New York and Nassau County Police Departments.

When calling Chaverim 5T/R, the first line of help is offered by one of the 23 volunteer dispatchers. A detailed message is sent out to all of the 49 members to find who is the closest and most conveniently available. At times, an additional volunteer is needed for backup assistance, and in urgent cases, such as a child locked in a car, all available members drop what they are doing and run to help as quickly as possible. Members of Chaverim 5T/R are not professional mechanics or locksmiths. They are college students, store owners,businessmen, yeshiva bochurim and the like. They are your neighbors and your friends. The only criteria for joining Chaverim is to not be scared of getting some grease or dirt on your hands and a great desire to give aid to others in need.

Even if a member only has free time before or after classes, after work, during his lunch break, or on weekends, he still decides to dedicate that precious free time to being there for the community at large. This past February was a typical month for Chaverim 5T/R. They responded to 192 calls, which consisted of approximately 100 cars that would not start, about 25 people who were locked out of their car, 20 people locked out of their homes and an estimated 50 people who had flat tires. People calling Chaverim 5T/R end up saving time and money. Not only is there no charge, but help usually comes much faster than if they would have contacted professional services.

As with any volunteer service, there are still expenses that must be met. Equipment for members and software that is used for dispatching are the main operating costs. Chaverim 5T/R has been very fortunate this year to have had some financial support from Gourmet Glatt Emporium, Plaza Auto Leasing, as well as a few other local organizations. Nevertheless, the majority of the much needed funding must still come from local contributions. Chaverim 5T/R is currently having its first annual raffle, with the drawing to be held June 10th. Monies are needed to enable the organization to survive and hopefully continue to expand.

There are many stories that depict the hard work and dedication of Chaverim 5T/R; however, some are not as typical as others. Dispatch once sent out a desperate call from a woman who, after going onto the balcony of her apartment with her children, noticed that the door suddenly locked behind them. Many members raced over to the scene. One member was trying to open the front door while another responder decided to take the stairs up to the roof and see what could be done from there. A ladder was then lowered down to the balcony, followed by him climbing down and eventually getting the door open to let the family back inside. In the end, about ten members were on the scene to help.

Another case involved a call in the middle of the night. A car was stuck on the sand in Long Beach. The owner initially called a tow truck, but declined their services when he realized he did not have enough money to pay them. By the time Chaverim 5T/R was called, he was exhausted, almost out of gas, and simply willing to forget about his car. He just wanted a ride to Far Rockaway. At 5am, a member arrived on the scene and was able to use his own SUV to pull out the car, allowing the driver to get back home to New Jersey that morning.

The name says it all. Just like you would not hesitate to call a friend, do not hesitate to call Chaverim, your friends, when you need assistance. All that we ask is that you help support us so that we can continue to help you in your time of need.

To contact Chaverim,
call 718-337-1800
visit www.chaverim5T.org,
or send correspondence to
PO Box 701,
Lawrence, NY 11559.

The Israeli Day Parade is upon us again on Sunday, June 3rd, and once again, tens of thousands of Jews from many different backgrounds and places will be joining together to project support for the State of Israel, and a sense of Jewish identity.

However, this year there will be one added dimension: A new organization called Am Yisrael Chai will be distributing to onlookers a carefully designed “bookmark” card with information about 9 outreach organizations arranged in a menu-like format for different geographical regions, i.e. Manhattan, Queens & Long Island, Brooklyn, and International.

Every listing will come with the particular organization’s specific programs highlighted as well as address, phone, email, and website contact information.

Am Yisrael Chai’s founders Alan Shuchatowitz and Yosef Tannenbaum, believe that many of those attending the parade have a sense of pride in their Jewish identity, but are looking for different avenues with which to expand their knowledge and appreciation of their Jewish heritage.

Am Yisrael Chai is looking for volunteers to assist in the important mitzvah of card distribution.

Anyone attending the parade who can spare even an hour of their time is requested to contact either Alan at 917-865-0309 or Yosef Tannenbaum at 917-496-1093.

All help will be greatly appreciated.

(YWN Desk – NYC)

Chaverim of Los Angeles launched last September and in less than nine months of operation has already helped over 500 people. Chaverim’s mission was and is to “bring coordination and organization via a network of skilled individuals that are ready and willing to assist and volunteer in the time of need.”

Chaverim was originally started in Brooklyn, New York in 2001. Today, there are over two dozen cities that have a Chaverim chapter. Although the mission of most Chaverim organizations in the United States remains mostly the same, each branch is independently run.

CHAVERIM went live on September 1, 2011. Chaverim’s has three levels of response. Emergency, Non-Emergency, and Missing Person Searches.

Emergency Response: Someone locked or stuck inside of a car or room of the house.

Chaverim members are equipped and trained with sophisticated equipment in order to gain entry to a vehicle or a home within seconds.

Non-Emergency Response: Among the variety of auto related problems, the most common are: jump-starts, gas outages, flat tire, and keys-locked-in-the-car (auto lockout). Chaverim is also equipped to gain entry into a home when the keys are locked in the house.

Missing Person Searches: A critical facet Chaverim has embarked upon is “assisting in a missing persons search”. Hatzolah of Los Angeles remains the designated community resource when it comes to a missing person. On a number of occasions, Hatzolah and Chaverim have teamed up on a missing person incident. Most recently, on March 11, 2012 Hatzolah was contacted regarding a missing community member. Hatzolah contacted Chaverim and the two organizations worked hand in hand as a “unified command”. Chaverim sent several volunteers to search designated areas. Additionally, Chaverim resources spread the word to the community for the immediate need of community volunteers. Chaverim was able to round up dozens of volunteers in a short time. The subject went missing on a Friday morning. Ultimately, it was due to the collaborative effort that the missing person’s car was found on Sunday night after he was lost and disoriented due to a head injury. The victim’s life was spared as a direct result of this collaborative effort, and of course the mercy of Hashem.

Only two days later, Chaverim Founder, Ari Friedman, received a chilling phone call from Shomrim in Brooklyn, NY.

The call was received at 6:15pm on March 13, 2012. The caller stated that his family member was in immediate danger. She had gone unconscious either during a phone call or shortly thereafter. The family member was unable to locate the subject. The police were called and they were able to “ping” a cell phone location to within 800 meters, (approximately 1/2 a mile radius). It was too large of an area for the police to investigate. Chaverim was in immediate contact with Hatzolah.

Chaverim and Hatzolah once again setup a joint command. LA County Sheriff insiders were called and volunteers from Chaverim’s “Missing Person Search Group” were called up. Hatzolah brought their Mobile Command Center RV as well as their disaster Supply Truck which was used to generate light at the “command post”. Over two dozen Hatzolah and Chaverim members/volunteers began searching assigned grids. At approximately 11pm, the subject’s car was located. The unified command immediately notified the police. They responded within a few minutes. The local Fire Department arrived as well. Shortly thereafter the subject was found in the motel room where the car was parked. She was alive but in serious condition. Again, Chaverim and Hatzolah saved this persons life.

READ MORE: CHAVERIM LA

This Sunday, June 3rd, hundreds of couples will join together at Touro College, at 227 West 60th Street in Manhattan, to hear medical experts and Rabbonim at the A TIME National Medical Conference.

Held every two years, and the only fertility conference of its kind in the world, this full-day conference is a must for anyone facing these challenges. Couples from near and far will attend, including attendees from as far away as England, to hear important information about the latest technologies in the field and to present their questions to the experts.

The Rabbinical Address will be presented by HaRav Tzvi Flaum, Mashgiach Ruchani and Professor of Judaic Studies at Touro’s Lander College for Women. A full complimentary lunch will be served, after which HaRav Chaim Aron Unger, dayan for A TIME, will also address the attendees.

The conference will feature lectures, workshops, and private meetings with over 40 world renowned physicians in the fields of reproductive endocrinology and high risk OBGYN , including Drs. Richard Scott, Owen Davis, Peter Schlegel, and Lawrence Grunfeld. The price of a private consultation with one of these doctors can often run up to $1000.00. Here a couple can can meet with experts, ask questions, and get personalized advice for their situation. A couple will also have the chance to ask more than one physician, getting more insight into their case, all in one place.

The conference has something to offer for everyone on this journey, whether a beginner, or someone who has been facing this challenge for years. Attendees will split up into small focus groups, with three or four experts addressing each group. Workshops rich in up-to-date medical information, presented by foremost experts in the field, will be heldthroughout the day. There will be a question and answer session within each workshop. Session topics include: success with IVF, recurrent pregnancy loss, PCOS, genetics, surgical procedures, endometriosis, and future fertility research. A TIME strives to empower their members, through vital education and awareness of their
choices.

A TIME was founded in 1993 and now has a membership of over 8,000 Jewish members with branches around the world. The newest branch was recently established in Manchester, England. Rabbi Shaul Rosen, A TIME’s founder and director, says, “Couples suffering from infertility often do so in silence. Often, the best resource for many couples experiencing infertility is the guidance of experienced professionals. We are proud to present this conference as one way in helping couples get the help and information they need.”

Advance registration is required for this conference. For more information or to register call A TIME (718)686-8912, extension 205, email events@atime.org, or register online at www.atime.org

(YWN Desk – NYC)

When it comes to finding a livelihood, the Jewish community now has a new, one-of-a-kind resource.

On its first day up, parnassahnetwork.com saw over 6,000 hits and has seen spiraling interest ever since. Parnassahnetwork.com is a one stop resource for employees and job seekers alike. The website allows job seekers to post their resume’s (either with a name or without) for businesses and organizations to review, and will be contacted if they are seen as a potential match.

The site also allows job seekers to post positions that they are seeking to fill, along with contact information to submit a resume’. Already in its short time in service, parnassahnetwork.com has attracted the attention of countless job seekers and scores of renowned corporations and agencies, for a highly diverse range of occupations, ranging from entry level to high end communal and professional.

The website is the brainchild of R’ Duvi Honig, founder of the Learn and Network Kollel and the Parnassah Expo. The dual endeavors have, b’ezras Hashem, paid great dividends for community breadwinners and businessmen, and helped bring together a vast group of parnassah related resources from across the Tri-State area and beyond. This websites harnesses these connections in a single easy to use portal that smoothens out the entire process and opens new windows of opportunity for everyone.

“This site may be a simple idea, but the reaction I’ve seen so far tells me that it is a real revolution,” says R’ Duvi.

For more information, please visit www.parnassahnetwork.com. Or email info@parnassahexpo.com

(YWN Desk – NYC)

The Aleh Foundation 2012 Awards Dinner, celebrating 28 years of service to disabled children in Israel, is dedicated in loving memory of Moshe ben Michael of blessed memory. The event will be held on Wednesday evening, May 16 at 6:30 PM at the Museum of Jewish Heritage-A Living Memorial to the Holocaust in lower Manhattan. To so many who knew him, as well as to the disabled children that Aleh Foundation helps, Mr. Moshe “ Mike” Silverstein is unforgettable, and has left his family and friends with warm and happy memories. Moshe “Mike” Silverstein was a legendary figure in the shoe industry as the co-founder of NINA Footwear. His charismatic personality will be dearly remembered as the Chairpersons, Honorees and the Raine & Stanley Silverstein Family Foundation join in the ALEH 28th Awards Dinner to “Fulfill a Child’s Dream”. Contributions to ALEH Foundation on behalf of Mr. Moshe “Mike” Silverstein will be a merit to his lofty soul.

At this year’s Gala we will recognize distinguished leaders and supporters of the Foundation, including the evening’s Keynote Speaker, Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, a popular guest and commentator on local and national radio and television programs, in which he couples enthusiasm for social issues with the wise insights of the Jewish tradition. He carries these unique skills over to his work at Congregation Mount Sinai in Brooklyn Heights, NY; to his role as Executive Vice President of the New York Board of Rabbis; and to his chaplaincy of the New York City Fire Department.

The program will also feature New York State Senator and Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos, who will be honored with the State Leadership Award. In November 2010, Senator Skelos was re-elected to his fourteenth term in the New York State Senate. He now serves as the chamber’s Majority Leader, making him the highest-ranking Republican official in State government.

Dr. Jeffrey Wisoff, M.D, Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at NYU’s Langone Medical Center will receive the Medical Leadership award. Dr. Wisoff was one of the founding members of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Langone Medical Center in 1984. His major clinical interests are in pediatric brain tumors, Chiari malformations, craniofacial disorders, and hydrocephalus. He is an author or co-author of over 150 scientific papers or chapters.

In addition, this year, the Foundation will be recognizing the achievements of a Jack and Violet Harounian, Tribute Chairpersons. As honorary board members of the Aleh Foundation Jack and Violet are the two hardest working philanthropists in the Jewish Community.

Drs. Andrew & Galina Zaretsky will receive the distinguished Humanitarin Awards. They have excelled in their careers of healing and understand the disabled polulation.
Dinner Chairs are Dr. Howard Feldman, Randy & Shaine Settenbrino, Susan Dee Settenbrino, Naomi Klass Mauer, of the Jewish Press, Jay Arthur Goldberg, Ricki Kudowitz and Dr. Jeffrey Tenenbaum.

Aleh has long been one of Israel’s leading providers of services to severely disabled infants and children and their families. This year, the Aleh Foundation will celebrate 28 years in the service of special children and the needy. In Hebrew, the number 28 is expressed as “koach”, or strength. The strength of Aleh has always been its dedicated supporters, whom they have come to think of as family. They look forward to the next 28 years with anticipation and the confidence that, with the help of their ‘family’, they can exceed what has been accomplished in the first 28 years.

The staff of the Aleh Foundation has put together an exciting program of entertainment that will be sure to please. A private tour of the Museum will also be available for guests prior to the start of the event. There will also be a drawing at the close of the program for four round-trip tickets to Israel, donated by HAS. HAS has been a partner of the Aleh Foundation for many years. They issue low- interest credit cards, and donate a percentage of the proceeds to many worthwhile charitable organizations in Israel.

Send your reservations and journal ad blanks to the Aleh Foundation Headqurters at 5317 13th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219. For tickets to the Dinner, or to learn more about how you can help the Aleh Foundation help Israel’s most needy, please call their offices at 718-851-4596 or visit their website at www.alehfoundationusa.org.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

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We all know the injunction, “The biggest help is to stay out of the way.” Uttered by so many parents in the hectic weeks before Yom Tov, oftentimes that is really all the parents need; a slight break from the busy family life, so they could prepare for Pesach.

But what if the child is terminally ill? The parents have been in and out of the hospital for months. The siblings are overwhelmed, the parents perhaps unable to cope. This Pesach won’t make itself, and these children won’t entertain themselves.

Erev Pesach, 5772. While the rest of the world was in a whirlwind, Misameach volunteers were doing what they do best: throwing a party. BounceU, an “unbelievably cool bounce stadium”, was chosen as the venue. Over one hundred boys and girls attended, with dozens of Misameach staff members supervising. Parents dropped off their children for the day, where they were treated to a gourmet meal, a spellbinding story-teller, and – of course – a day at BounceU’s beautiful facility.

Events like these are what set Misameach apart. Misameach provides relief and entertainment when it is most needed, and they come up with unique arrangements to fit the needs of patients and their families. Like when they flew Mordechai ben David, the King of Jewish music, to the Midwest to entertain a terminally ill patient. Or the time they brought a young adult struggling with illness on a private cruise with Yehuda Green. Or the patient whose dream to meet President Barack Obama was made into a reality by Misameach.

It is stories like these that have garnered Misameach nationwide respect. A phone call from acclaimed lawyer and former Chief of Staff Marc Levin; a letter from national radio host Glen Beck; the list goes on and on. Doctors and nurses at all the major hospitals Misameach frequents have voiced their approval many times over, saying the regular visits help their patients in the healing process.

Misameach’s regular services include weekly visits to hospitals and patients’ homes, family outings, birthday parties, live music and entertainment, magicians, professional clowns, arts-and-crafts activities, and fully-stocked kosher DVD libraries. Misameach was founded in Lakewood, NJ in 2008, and currently services New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Boston; and occasionally Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Detroit; with plans to expand their loving reach. As their motto has always been, they are on a mission to keep “Spreading smiles”.

You have the power to help them continue in their mission. Become a part of their success. (Donations to Misameach can be made on their website.)

YWN PHOTO LINK: Click HERE for photos.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Misaskim received a call on its emergency hotline this Chol Hamoed from a women who currently lives in Flatbush. The woman explained that her aunt, who lives in Palm Beach, Florida, had passed away and that the family was planning to cremate the body due to lack of funds.

The caller was understandably broken-hearted about the family’s decision, as her mother, who was the sister of the current nifteres’, had also cremated her father’s body years ago for similar reasons. The woman was determined to prevent the cremation from happening this time, but was at a loss as to how to handle the situation.

Misaskim volunteers contacted family members and worked with Rabbi Yeruchim Koppelman of the Miami Chevra Kadisha. Together, they did their utmost to educate the family regarding the negative spiritual ramifications of cremation. There were various options available in order to resolve the situation, including bringing the nifteres to New York. In the end, Misaskim offered to take responsibility for the expenses of a Jewish burial and chose to bury the nifteres in Miami since it was most cost effective. Rabbi Koppelman arranged the burial and the nifteres received a Jewish burial with a minyan. Misaskim is deeply grateful to the members of the Miami Chevra Kadisha for their tireless efforts and for their participation in this special mitzvah.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

At this year’s Misaskim Chol Hamoed outing for children who have lost a parent, participants were treated to a unique program that included exhibits manned by nearly 40 FBI agents. The youngsters had the opportunity to meet the special agents and learn how they work to keep our country safe. They also had a chance to find out about the remarkable tools the agents use to accomplish their mission.

“What a great event,” Special Agent in Charge, Gerald Rose, told participants at the start of the event. “You are going to see amazing things this afternoon that [most people never see or hear about...]” He urged the youngsters to carefully view the exhibits, ask questions, and use this unique opportunity to interact with agents. Members of the FBI and Misaskim have been planning this event for months, and so it was with great pleasure that Misaskim presented Special Agent Rose with an award to acknowledge his team’s efforts in coordinating this very interesting and exciting event.

[CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE]

First, the children watched a presentation about Air Force One on a Jumbotron Screen. They were treated to an inside view of the “flying White House” and learned about the extensive security procedures that are in integral part of any overseas presidential trip. As the presentation came to an end, members of the Secret Service surprised the children by driving the presidential limousine into the arena. The limousine is often used by President Obama when he visits New York. All those present had an opportunity to see the inside of the vehicle and to learn about some of its extraordinary security features. The children were delighted by this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and took numerous pictures posing near the limo.

Next, the children viewed the remaining FBI exhibits and visited with members of the FBI Evidence Response Team, the FBI Mobil Command Center, FBI SWAT Agents, FBI Scuba Agents, the FBI Community Analysis Response Team, and FBI Special Agent Bomb Technicians. The agents spent more than three hours patiently defining their responsibilities, as the children moved from one exhibit to the next. The children were able to have their fingerprints taken, try on the scuba equipment and the bomb squad gear, get an up-close look at some of the incredible hi-tech equipment, and find out about techniques regularly used by FBI agents.

The young visitors also enjoyed two lively stunt shows toward the end of the day. “This was the best Chol Hamoed trip ever and it gets better and better each time,” said one young participant. “The FBI exhibits were fascinating.”

Misaskim coordinates these Chol Hamoed outings twice each year for families who have experienced the loss of a parent. This year, in addition to the event itself, which is held free of charge, families were once again offered free transportation and snacks. Hundreds of children from Flatbush, Boro Park, Williamsburg, Queens, Long Island, Monsey, Monroe, New Square, Lakewood, Long Branch, and Morristown participated in the fun.

Misaskim is deeply grateful to our partners at the FBI and the Port Authority who made the Chol Hamoed program possible. Misaskim’s committed to further expanding its community service efforts by building and maintaining relations with officials on local, state, and federal levels.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Here are some important safety tips to ensure you have a happy Pesach! (Courtesy of Jewishfireprevention.org)

Searching for Chometz

• Keep candles away from all flamable materials (curtains, sofas, clothing etc)
• Do not place used candles in paper bag with chometz

Burning Chometz

• Once fire is lit, do not add any fire enhancing agents (gas, lighter fluid etc)
• Keep fire away from structures, cars, trees, & wires
• Never burn plastic or explosive materials
• Participate in a community chometz burning if available

Lighting Candles

• Place candles on a sturdy heat resistant surface away from flammable materials including walls, curtains, cabinets, wooden and plastic tables, tableclothes, etc
• Keep surfaces and surrounding areas clear of burned matches and other debris
• Never leave Shabbos/ Yom Tov candles unattended or go to sleep while they are burning
• Light candles out of children’s reach and where they cannot be knocked over
• Use extra caution when lighting 24 hour yartzeit candles, keep on a heat resistant surface away from flammable materials

Cooking

• Set appliances back on counter to avoid accidental burns and spills
• Designate ovens, stoves and heat containing appliances as a “NO GO ZONE” for children
• Keep hands, hair and sleeves away from open flame
• Position blech so heat can escape from all sides without heating walls, cabinets , and counters
• Never cover oven vents with aluminum foil
• Keep pot handles turned inward and away from the edge of the stove
• Never move pots of boiling hot liquids while uncovered
• Use extra caution when carrying hot food around children
• Treat burns immediately by cooling with cool water and call your local emergency number
• Never put water on a grease fire, use a fire extinguisher and call the Fire Dept emergency number

Always Remember

• Supervise children at all times, especially around lit candles, flames, and hot appliances
• Have working smoke detectors
• Have a working fire extinguisher
• Have/ and practice a family fire emergency escape plan with a designated family meeting area outside of house
• Keep hands, hair and sleeves away from open flame
• Proper fire safety planning and prevention can help keep you and your family safe.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Eretz Yisroel – The delivery guys did not expect a yelling. Not after schlepping up 5 flights of stairs carrying 9 heavy boxes. But yell she did, saying, “This is not what I ordered! Where is my case of water?!”

It took the woman a few moments to realize that the generous order containing over 40 kosher-for-Pesach products was indeed, not the measly delivery of basics that she had been expecting from her grocery.

This woman was one of 2,500 who received a Kimcha D’Pischa package from Tov V’Chesed the past week. To protect the dignity of these families, all packages were delivered to the door, looking as if it came from a supermarket.

Preparations for this massive project began a while ago. Rabbi Yakov Eliezer Schischa, who directs the organization, has been traveling to visit donors all through the winter, while his assistants spent weeks bargaining with vendors to ensure the maximum value for each dollar.

For the past three weeks, the lights at the Tov V’Chesed warehouse were never switched off. Over 40 workers and volunteers took shifts from 8:00am until 2 o’clock in the morning organizing the products and filling all those boxes. Another crew worked through the predawn hours to clear the warehouse and make room for the massive shipments of fresh products that were packed the following day.

Deliveries, to 35 neighborhoods spread through 5 cities in Eretz Yisroel, began last Wednesday, and were completed well in time for the underprivileged recipients to make their preparations and welcome Yom Tov with peace of mind.

Tov V’Chesed would like to thank the generous donors who made all this possible.

YWN PHOTO LINK: Click HERE for photos.

[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

With the Yom Tov of Pesach rapidly approaching, the Satmar kehilla continues its long standing tradition of giving families the opportunity to buy food for the eight day holiday at greatly reduced prices. With food costs escalating in advance of Pesach, whose observances requires particularly stringent dietary restrictions, thousands of families made their way to the New York State Armory on Marcy Avenue in order to take advantage of the significant savings with prices that were twenty percent below cost.

The Satmar kehilla tradition of subsidizing food for Pesach began ten years ago in a small catering hall. Since then the event has grown annually with thousands of people coming to make their holiday purchases from the thousands of tons of food at the armory.

“This is the least we can do to help people in a time of need,” explained Rabbi Sol Perlstein, vice president of the Satmar kehilla. “Our community has large families and with the difficult state of the economy, we are trying to do whatever we can to help both Satmar members and the general public.”

Among the shoppers who thronged to the armory were special VIP dignitaries including NYS Senator Eric Adams and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, and others.

“It amazes me how a community can come together to aid people in need,” said Borough President Stringer. “It was truly inspiring to witness the good deed being done here with my own eyes.”

“There are no words to describe what it is like to see just how many people came here to take advantage of the low prices,” added State Senator Adams. “This should serve as an example to other communities, to help both your neighbor and other families.”

The Satmar community in New York State numbers approximately 100,000 with families averaging between five and eight children. One of today’s largest and most influential Chasidic groups, the Satmar kehilla is renowned for its many charitable organizations that provide assistance to the community in countless ways.

YWN PHOTO LINK: Click HERE for photos.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)