In the spirit of Yomim Tovim, families throughout the Jewish community embraced celebration and connection. However, for families facing the challenge and isolation of serious illness, this can be particularly difficult. Chai Lifeline, dedicated to supporting children and families impacted by illness and crisis throughout the year, is there to ease their burdens in meaningful ways, allowing these families to experience joy and warmth despite the medical challenges they face.
In particular, across the country, Chai Lifeline regions stepped up with an array of special initiatives to help more than 6,000 families celebrate the holidays with simcha and support.
In the Greater New York area, Chai Lifeline focused on lightening the load of Yom Tov preparations by stocking family freezers with gourmet meals and offered financial aid where needed. Chol Hamoed brought a much-needed break with a trip to Dorney Park, which gave families time to bond and escape from the pressures of daily life.
In the New Jersey and Pennsylvania region, Chai Lifeline made sure that families felt the warmth of the holidays both at home and in the hospital. Yom Tov meals were provided to families, with a Sukkah being set up at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Special events like Shofar blowing and Chol Hamoed activities at CHOP brought the spirit of the holidays to hospitalized children and their families. For those at home, Simanim packages and assistance with Sukkah building ensured that families had everything they needed to celebrate.
In the Mid-Atlantic, Chai Lifeline enhanced the Yom Tov experience with exciting collaborations and community events. To kick off the holidays, Chai Lifeline distributed Rosh Hashanah gifts to local families, brightening their chag. A Chol Hamoed Sukkos trip to ZavaZone provided families fun and excitement, and the Evening of Awareness event, “If there is anything I can do,” inspired and educated the community on how to support families in crisis.
In the Midwest, the focus is on bringing families together in meaningful ways. A pre-Rosh Hashanah event for mothers offered connection and respite, while a special Rosh Hashanah gathering at Lurie Hospital featured a broadcast presentation for patients.
On the West Coast, families received Yom Tov gift packages, and financial assistance was provided to those navigating medical crises. Volunteers stepped in to help build Sukkahs for families in need, while hospital rooms were decorated to bring the joy of Sukkos to children who were inpatient during the holiday.
In the Southeast, Chai Lifeline made sure families had everything they needed to celebrate the holidays. Freezers were stocked with Yom Tov meals, financial aid was provided, and Rosh Hashanah gifts and food were distributed to families. For those in hospitals, meals and Shofar blowing brought the comforting sounds and tastes of the Yom Tov.
Achim B’Yachad, Chai Lifeline’s division serving the Chassidish community, planned for a special pre-Rosh Hashanah trip as well as a fun Chol HaMoed family outing, ensuring that families experienced the Yomim Tovim with meaning and joy.
Chai Lifeline’s newly launched Sephardic Division teamed up with students at Ilan High School in Ocean Township, NJ, for a unique initiative, where they packed and distributed Rosh Hashanah packages for families in the community.
From coast to coast, Chai Lifeline is committed to bringing joy, connection, and support to families battling illness this Yom Tov season. Through these initiatives as well as its myriad year-round programs and services, Chai Lifeline aims to restore a sense of normalcy and provide support and simcha to families who need it most.
“It’s our mission to ensure that every family facing illness knows they are not alone,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline. “By providing practical support and a sense of community, we hope to ease their burdens and bring light..”
To learn more about Chai Lifeline, to get involved, or to make a donation, visit www.chailifeline.org.
