Steve.jpg
September 18, 2019, Ellul 18, 5779
Dear Friends,
In the weeks before Rosh Hashanah we are visiting all of the Shoa Victors in the northern area of Israel with a Rosh HaShana gift and those who are financially in need also receive a food package with fresh vegetables and fruit. We see how the people we visit greatly appreciate our continuous support and love. We wish them all a blessed and good year. Many are struggling with serious physical or emotional health issues and it is encouraging to see how strong they are in overcoming these difficulties. Soon the new students will join us in this work. We are convinced that the students will again bring a lot of joy and meaning into the homes of the shoa "victors".
Here are some quick stories and pictures to give you a more personalized look at our work.
Rachel, 94 years old from Kibbutz Neot, is still young in spirit. She was so happy to see us again. We sat together at the table and shared what happened. Rachel had an operation in her leg, she is recovering from that, and using a walker. Despite this, Rachel is already continuing her daily swimming exercises.
Also Steve is full of life. We talked about his hearing aid and his daily thoughts.
Steve is fully prepared to receive the new students with great anticipation.
Steve.jpg
We were happy to see that Mordechai recovered so well after his stroke half a year ago. He can't walk, moves in a wheelchair through the house, yet feels satisfied to be alive and managing. Klara has been having many difficulties of her own and enjoyed being able to confide in us. Fortunately, her walking got stronger in recent months. I hope and pray that we will be able to add to their lives a bit of joy through the visits of the students.
Mordechai Klara with Timek
We look forward to starting this new season with the students who will be joining us either right before or right after Sukkot.
We have been receiving many requests throughout Israel for additional food
baskets to those people who have financial hardships and are trying to manage
on very little. These baskets cost us between 50 and 250nis. We request that
you donate what you can at this time so that we don't have to turn anyone away.
We wish you all a happy and a sweet new year,
The LeChaim Family
Daniel Braun
E-mail: danielxrw@gmail.com
Telefoon: + 972 54 772 3510
Welkom op onze website: lechaim2life.org.il
In addition on Daniels letter, a few words from this week activities in the North.
In Chazor I visited all of our dear shoa winners: Mina, Jafa, Bracha
and Ruchama and a new man, Shalom who is from Tunis.
His wife died about 5 years ago and he lives in the house of his daugther. He
can not walk, but talking he loves. He can't wait until the students will come.
Mina is in the middle of chemo therapy. Thank God, the therapy is working good.
So far, expectations are good and we pray and hope that she will fully recover.
All of them are waiting with a great expectation to the coming new year with the
students that starts after the Sukkot Holidays.
Rachel from Rosh Pina doesn't feel good, the hot summer season pushes
her blood pressure up. She hopes that when the temperature comes down, she will
feel better.
In Katzrin I met with Lea and we visited Jafim, Ela and Anna. For Lea it was the first time with Lechaim visiting Shoa victors in their tiny apartments. Anna is new for us. She is a second generation Shoa victor from Hungary. She loves to speak about history, she reads a lot and communicates well. She loves young people. Ela is recovering from a fall, but is doing wel. Jafim is not feeling well. Geula, a Shoa victor her self and friend of Lechaim for many years, made a great effort to meet Jafim with me this week and she will try to find out if Jafim can get additional financial support from the Israeli authorities, because some new laws are now also applicable for the second generation Shoa victors.
I hope it will work out. Jafim lives alone without family around him and is fully dependent on few friends. It is not a very easy way of life for him. Lechaim does what is possible to help him emotionally, with financial support and also with practical cleaning to make his life worthy. Jafim has great talents and knowledge, The students love him!
Shalom,
Timek
--
Daniel Braun
E-mail: danielxrw@gmail.com
Phone: + 972 54 772 3510
Welcome to our website at: lechaim2life.org.il
August 22, 2019, Av 21, 5779
Modiin
Rachel Efrat initially been updated with Svetlana on how she is, and we told her we were in Cyprus together on a vacation with friends. Then Svetlana showed us how she arranges all her stuff in the computer, and how she keeps all the important information and images - arranged in neat so you can always find everything. She told us about her friend who has died recently in Modiin. She said they became friends on Facebook and talked a lot and met, and he even paid her a copy of a book he wrote.
After that we drank coffee in the kitchen and Svetlana told us about the importance
of pet names, birthdays or special event to honor people and call them by a
nickname. Rachel told her little brother was one year anniversary
and showed his pictures Svetlana and her family.
Efrat and Rachel with Svetlana
Svetlana told us she wanted us to know that family is the most important and she wants to keep us close to our brothers and gave them a good example.
We showed her pictures from our trip to Cyprus, she told us about the company from Kherson who worked with her at the time pattern, and after she came to Israel found her and talked and kept in touch. She explained to us how important it is that we keep in touch with each other and wished us to have a good future and army preparatory program and the university.
Shir : I went to visit Janet, we met and it was a real pleasure. I told her about the job search for my next home furniture in Beersheba with God's help and Janet told me how good her sheltered housing in Modiin is. She is very active, and managed to sell her old apartment after a long time attempts were unsuccessful, and thank G-d she can now breathe a sigh of relief. She updated me peace of her precious family and all the grandchildren. Showed pictures of the new building and fresh.
It was just a pleasure to talk to her. We also talked about books, movies,
situation in the country and the rules of life. it was great. He was so fun
we forgot to be photographed together
What's new in the north
It was good to see the shoa victors again after my summer break.
In Kibbutz Ginossar I visited Batya and Eliram. I was surprised
that Eliram was in a much healthier condition then when I saw him before my
trip. He again started to paint and to sort his stamps, making jokes and he
really felt good. I was happy to see him in such a good mood. Batya was happy
that the students kept calling her during the summer months.
EliRam in Ginosar
In Kibbutz Chukkuk, a big smile came on the face of Tsipora
when I entered her apartment. She was eating her dinner and we talked a bit
and I saw how my short visit made her so happy. Marit is a
bit uncertain while walking. She is afraid that she can easily fell down and
break something. She enjoys when the students call her from time to time. Jossi
is a very satisfied man, but the first question he asked when I met him: "when
will the students will come come again?" He loved it and he is longing
for new students. We talked a bit, he can't do so much at home then looking
television which is boring. He can't read because of his eyes, but he loves
to attend nice and creative activities special for the elderly people in kibbutz
Afikim.
Batia
Jafim in Katzrin was very sick during the past months. He was hospitalized and made some extended medical examinations and now he feels a bit better. He is also longing for the students, to talk about all kind of interesting things. After the students cleaned his apartment, it is again a big mess in his house. He simply can not manage by himself and so Daniel is making efforts to get special help from the Katzrin municipality. When the students arrive, we will ask them to clean his house on regular basis. He is now open to receive their help - even in advance, before he even met the new students. For him they are angels.
Ela broke her wrist a month ago. Her wrist is now out of bandage, but she needs a lot of physiotherapy.
It was good to see Klara and Mordechai in Kyriat Shmona. Mordechai is now more used at home and I see that he accepted his health situation. He Looked good, but a lot of work comes on the shoulders of Klara and her two daughters who care for them every day. Klara has problems with walking and can't go out like she was used to. Anatoly, Klara's brother spent lot of days in the hospital. He got " shingles". His left leg was swallowed extremely. Even now his lag looks extremely bad even-thou it was much and much worse. Anatoly suffers much pain. Lisa felt sick and week from the beginning of this year. Now they found cancer. It was a shock for Lise, but she accepted it and she was rushed to the hospital for operation. The cancer was removed directly and completely. There are no metastases, so that is good news. Greetings from all the shoa victors of Kiryat Shmona, also from Bracha, Rina, Raya, Israel, Zina, Roman and Neli and Ida. Ina is now living near Haifa in elderly house, where also her sister Tamara lives.
As you see, a lot can happen in a short summer time. Thank you all for your continuous support of these dear and brave people that opened their homes for us and to the students.
Warm greetings,
Timek
Pardes Channa
Yael: We visited Dina and Moshe. Her son came and fixed all
what was needed and it was very good. The lady - who should take care of cleaning
the house came only for half hour and did the minimum.
Dina with Yael
She complains about it and was not satisfied. We fixed for her to join a senior
club and this is also something that she needed desperately . Shulamit
is not very well. She needed my help with the pain in her back and I succeed
in it to make her pain a little better.
Shulamit and Yael
I met her beloved son, who is near by her and helps as much as he can. I hope that next time when I will see her she will be much better.
Rivka: We came to Ruth and Michael and told them how important it is for the students to be familiar with them as people who has broke the stigma of survivors and they have achieved what many others did not achieved. So we agreed Our visits with them. Although the summer has not passed them in peace in terms of health but will soon meet and make new contacts. Aliza has sent yesterday - her granddaughter to the Israeli Defense Forces, and was very excited. We all of us the best.
Rivka
You can see the way how Dina live : https://youtu.be/1sefJZ56CVI
Translation :
Dina : Three to five times a week, there is a lady that helps me with shopping,
cleaning the house and what is necessary. As you see I don't have a proper table
and chairs to sit comfortably. I don't have any cupboard where I can put in
the pots and pans to cook. Everything is on the floor..
August 8, 2019, Av 7, 5779
Pardes Channa
Rivka: We keep the flame burning and despite the vacation we continue with
the the visits of our people equipped with a packet of fruit in season we went
to visit our adult friends. Aviva is an energetic woman who does not give herself
a moment of rest.
Aviva
Every day she gets up and walk out, cleaning the house, cooking and of course she never miss the club. We received from her a very tasty cookies she do by herself and always happy and smiling with life and with us. When we arrived at Zippora it turned out that tonight she with her two daughters and two granddaughters is flying to her home town in Hungary, where they can enjoy a little family vacation with her nephews who will host them there . From there we passed Gizela's home late and we waved goodbye to the empty house... Aliza is always happy and pleasant. She feels better and we are happy with her.
Yael: I came to Dina, and the house was messy and dirty. She argued with two
therapist who came to work for her and one even stole from her clothes and she
removed them both out of her house.
Dina with Yael
So I tried to put some order into the chaos and then she told me that till Sunday because the customary of the 9th of Av, she can't eat meat but don't have fish in her refrigerator to prepare something to eat. So I just took her and we went to the supermarket to do shopping because her kids is going to arrive on Friday . After that I came to Shulamit, she does not feel good at all. She is weak and rarely leaves the house and her condition deteriorated very recently .. but always fun to be with her. She said that because of the summer there is few doctors who can be helpful when coming to the clinic and that what was yesterday. She came very painful and had to beg for help because of the pains she was suffering. Hopefully, she will fill better after the treatment she will have.
Modiin
Shir :I went to visit Shulamit. I was glad to see that her condition is improving and the eye surgery went well. She is still recovering and I hope for the best. We had a relatively brief visit that Shulamit had to go to the doctor but as always even a short visit was very cheerful and cordial. We talked about my plans for the future and the next flight school in Beersheba with God's help. Shulamit was interested and pleased to hear.
Tzafat
Shir : Itamar and I, were near the lake, and we decided to extend a little
our way back and stoped to visit Esther Tzfat. Esther obviously was very happy.
We picked her up from her job, and saved her heat driving and walking home.
Shir, Ester and Itamar
We went through the town on errands she needed to do, and then we came home. Both of us were very happy to be with her. We have completed the gaps, we laughed, we heard songs and shared videos and photos. Esther told us about her two great-grandchildren way to thank God and the great Nina starts first grade next year. The visit was very happy and fun.
Shabat Shalom
Daniel Braun
E-mail: danielxrw@gmail.com
Phone: + 972 54 772 3510
Welcome to our website at: lechaim2life.org.il
July 25, 2019, Tammuz 22, 5779
GIZELA IS NOT WITH US ANYMORE
On friday afternoon 19 Juli, she closed her eyes for ever , exactly one hour
after her only son Aharon,reached her bed , coming all the way from America.
She has really waited for him.... Last week we came to her and she had such
a good mood , she smiled and when we left she stood in the door waving to us.
She had not a simple life but as you see she was lucky to have us in the last
few years and you could see Yechiam's family who have adopted her with all their
hearts, mainly in the last few months. She was 92 and already spoke about being
tired to be in this world. but, she loved every time when we took her to celebrate
a holiday .
We hope for her to do her new journey in peace and relaxation as she wished and expressed it. We will miss her and will remember her smiling and loving. Rivka.
Sfat
May and Dor the new volunteers from the base : We made a general introduction
one to another, from where we are , and Judith told us a little about her past.
She told us about her health situation and made a formal coordination of such
expectations.
New soldiers with Yehudit
At the end, we were playing Rummikub and it was really nice.
Modiin
Efrat, and Rachel : We met Svetlana - first in Modiin Center to take out her
papers from the Bank and to buy milk. Back to her house, and she told us that
her granddaughter and cousin has sent her a message that they are looking for
relatives and Svetlana helped them to explore a bit and she showed us their
family tree that her granddaughter made , and told us a bit about those relatives.
Efrat and Rachel with Svetlana
Then, Svetlana asked us about our plans for the next year. Our location and what we are going to study there ? We were happy to explain. She wished us joy and love and health.
Shir and Itamar : We went to visit precious Mordechai and
he was so happy and excited to meet for the first time my boy friend Itamar.
Mordichai Maria Me and Itamar
He said that even if only one foot will work, he will dance at our wedding with God's help. In general he is having a tough time and facing health problems. We wished him to feel better. The picture is : Mordechai and his nanny Mary, me and Itamar.
Pardes Channa
We had our reguar visits, and it was amaizing how the students of Neve Michaeal
came and joined us in the funeral , feeling complitly part of her kind of family.
We Also made visits and met Aviva, Shulamit, Zippora and Aliza.
Zipphora
Aliza
See their happy face. I would like to remind you that all our volunteers who
is not a students keeps doing the visits and waite for the coming new year to
get the new students from the Mechinot and the schools.
Shabbat Shalom !
Rivka
Daniel Braun
E-mail:danielxrw@gmail.com
Telefoon:+972 54 772 3510
Welkom op onze website: lechaim2life.org.il
July 11, 2019, Tamuz 8, 5779
Large or small kindness
Dear friends !
Thanks for your contribution, we brought yesterday some comfort and a light
to a pair of survivors who is in a very difficult complex. A survivor who came
from Ukraine, have passed number of a very difficult operations without air-conditioning
in a un human weather and extreme heat.
Air Condition for Larisa from Zfat
We brought her new air conditioner that will improve the lives immeasurably.
We seek to continue on helping with electricity bills and buy more air conditioners
consuming the heat and humidity of our country. She told us that she did a surprise
birthday. We spoke about Moroccan food, holidays and family.
New Air condition for Larisa
https://youtu.be/sKFzWZaPfgE
In this video words of thankfullness will be spoken by Orit (from Zfat) on the
behalf of the survivor.
Regards.
Daniel.
14 juli 2019, Tamuz 11, 5779
We would like to thank you for installing an air conditioner for tenants in the sheltered house of Zfat.
This is an elderly couple - holocaust survivors in their 80s . The woman recently have passed 4 major surgeries, and she is connected to a medical device, suffers from the heat and it harms her health. With the installation of the air conditioner, her living conditions have improved and she can enjoy the fresh air.
Thank you very much for improving the living conditions of our tenants and we hope to continue this fruitful cooperation for the elderly.
Regards,
RayaGoldnstiin
Sheltered Housing Social Worker
&
Nella Margolis
Mother of the house
July 3, 2019, Sivan 30, 5779
Pardes Channa
Our words on the end of the year in Neve Michael for the students who are leaving
for their summer vacation. Rivka, Yael and the adults representatives: On the
past 4 years, we are cooperating when we all feel how good and right for us
is to meet, to contribute, to love and feel united both - young and old.
Through the whole year of meetings, ties has been tightened and we became a unit by bringing joy and gets a lot frm it. Now it's time to rest and relaxation to gather and recharge by being free of debts and at the same time having the pleasures to be with your family. Doing a volunteer work is a holy work, and we do it as Amuta for 15 years already. This project called "Lechaim " and it means : To feel the joy of a real meaningful Jewish creativity . "
We would like to wish all of you dear students, "heading happily and a
safe come back". We will wait for you for a further good and fun cooperation.
Rabbi Kook Ztzl has said: "Everyone must know and understand that inside
him, burns a candle, and no one have the same as his friend. Each man, have
his own candle, and all should know and understand that he must find the candlelight
to kindle a great torch in public and light up the whole world " as you
do your volunteering. Warm regards from me to you and of course "Lechaim"
joins my wishes to you.
Rivka.
David , the Director of Neve Michael, Tzviya and Yechiam, expressed their appreciation
and desire to continue next year with this wonderful project, and of course
continue cooperation doing it with joy. Our warm wishes , till the opening of
the new year.
Zfat
Anet with Shir and Noa
Noa and Shir:
Today we met Annette two times.
We were in the morning (with her) at her club, playing with her and all the elderly bingo, danced and sang to the sounds of Moroccan songs, was really fun .. Then we got to her house , sat with her, laughed, drank tea and biscuits. She was interested in our families and we showed her pictures. We danced with her, and as always it give us a day of fun and a good experience. She told us that she did a surprise birthday. We spoke about Moroccan food, holidays and family. It is difficult to believe that this is the end. We talked together about making the separation process easier. Annette has a zest for life and a dazzling smile, it's hard to believe that next week it's our last meeting.
Daniel Braun
E-mail: danielxrw@gmail.com
Phone: + 972 54 772 3510
Welcome to our website at:
lechaim2life.org.il
June 27, 2019, Sivan 24, 5779
My good friends !
In the recent days I had an interesting conversations with some very good friends
who love our project but expressed reservations about the way the students dress
with non respect in their appearance in our photos and videos.
I felt the need to study about this issue deeper, so maybe, we will feel a little more comfortable and understand more after learning it. The word modesty - has a wide range of depths, and to acquire a sacred modesty - I think there is a real need to understand from the start what is happening today in the world of values, where we come from, and what an example we acquire as children, boys and girls and adolescents. Indeed this is a sensitive issue, but I will tell you a bit about the journey of my life and how I learn to acquire the modesty and respect the world in which I live. I was born and came from kibbutz where there was no intention of the uniqueness of each person. We grew as wild boys, with long hair, wearing minimal with absolute unawareness inherent the miraculous divine soul within us. We did not have the food for the soul that was so needed it. Only after I left the kibbutz and looked inside the internal loss continuous process throughout my life. I first learned to recognize the wonderful gift the divine side sublime slowly revealed to me more and more that inner beauty that rooted named a person. This remarkable discovery, slowly yielding much meanings purifying a life forces into you. Thus, gradually as I became more aware of these treasures outer preoccupation became increasingly superfluous. All my inner perspective have changed. Slowly inner meaning and the new worlds naturally made me with much respect also with my outer clothing, the body relate to and understand what a wonderful gift this body when we turn it into a carriage service of G-d. It is a process of many years. It required patience, perseverance and a lot of vision.
Dear Friends!
Our young people are the real salvation the bells which have been ingrained
modesty. Complete amazing heart and poetry. These can be done only - thanks
to these wonderful devotion. Our job is not to throw them reviewed and educate
them about clothing. Our job is to find with them the wonderful beauty in them.
The size of their hearts. The strengths blessed in life and on that day, we
had contacted with them and felt their thirst. When we come to the preparatory.
It was their eyes sparkling with excitement and this sensed the mission of these
great souls which felt as partner already. When we are with them, our ears with
their remarkable significance and sensitive hearts, beating with full of respect
for the dignity, giving and love. I am a firm believer that true honor, chastity
consecrated life are choking but saying yes to a large existing wondrous goodness
of these souls. Rabbi Kook Ztz'l was an artist and great educator soul. In his
wonderful book "You have the wind" There is little verse: "When
teaching the doctrine of human humility (modesty) before G-d, and do not teach
that the G-d's Greatness , then, we spoil his soul, by teaching him a life of
slavery and humiliation."
In summary: We are at a dark period. As stated in the Bible Yeshayahu 29 "
10 For the G-d hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed
your eyes; the prophets, and your heads, the seers, hath He covered." That
means my friends tat where there is darkness we will bring light and these young
people are an example to be learned from . Everything at its time. And I'm sure
that later in life, with such a wonderful burden, you will purified with this
most wonderful gift we have received: being as an example to the amended humanity.
These young people are great teachers. Real angels. I love them very much, just
as they are, and for you- guardians of delicate with sensitive modesty, thank
you for your notes, I hope we've learned an important lesson.
Daniel
What's new in the North
Klara
Klara experience a very difficult time right now. After her husband Mordechai
got the stroke beginning of this year, suddenly her whole world collapsed and
Klara needs to find new balance, which is a big big challenge for her. Thanks
that her daughters help her so much to handle this difficult situation. Mordechai
returned home, but he can not walk, and needs a lot of care. Klara has also
problems, with her heart. She is not allowed to make any hard work, which is
impossible in her case. On the top, this week her younger brother Anatoly who
helped her every day got big problems with his lags (he is a diabetes) and is
hospitalized right now. The situation is difficult, but Klara hopes and prayers
to HaShem to bring relieve.
Jafim
Last month the students cleaned his whole house. Now one month later, I found
Jafim again in a big mess. It is clear, that Jafim is unable to manage by himself,
but the good news is, he now accepts cleaning by the students. With the start
of the new season, I hope we can keep his house clean and shiny during the whole
year! At the moment Jafim's old computer broke. That means for him a lot. He
is cut of for already few weeks from any connection with his son and great-son
(through Skype). He was used to spent lot of time to listen to music and play
games on Internet, now all his regular activities have ceased. There is a chance
that he can get the computer alive again. He has no means to pay for a new (second
hand) computer. I will keep eye on this issue. In the meanwhile we are checking
the air-condition that Lechaim donated couple of years ago. It needs new gas
and one of the coming days the airco will cool his house again.
Bar and Ophre with Mina
Mina is so excited about these two angels sitting next to her: Bar and Opher.
They helped her so much and they keep calling her and visiting her in their
own time as much as they can. Bar made all the cleaning in the house. Opher
brought fresh food and cooked for Mina. It was unforgettable experience for
Mina. And also for Opher and Bar. Their lifes have changed by this weekly visits
during the year with Lechaim-to-life. The chemo-therapy is working well and
I have full confidence that Mina will be strong again after the therapy will
end. Lechaim help her with paying some of her bills of the taxi to the hospital.
She is unable to go to the treatments by public transport.
EliRam
Elifam struggles with health the last months. He uses huge amount of medicine
to keep him running. This makes him sleepy and takes a lot of his energy. because
his coordination in his fingers and movements has worsen. He was unable to make
new paintings for a long time. And that give him so much encouragement every
day. I hope EliRam will recover and start to create new paintings soon.
Few weeks ago, me and Daniel saw the students of the Mechina in Kfar Hanasi for the last time. The evaluation session was again spectacular. So many stories that the students told us, how it affected their life's, how they needed to deal with unexpected and difficult situations. They all did excellent. And participating in Lechaim-to-life project made a huge impact in their way how they look now to our society. We all wish them great blessing and protection from HaShem as they will be paving their future. First serving in the IDF and later on in their studies.
Regards,
Timek
For those that understand Hebrew, here is link to a part of the interview with
Daniel Braun:
https://youtu.be/NaunODwUJeU
https://youtu.be/yrUV1yH7Crw
Morgan is playing to Gizela
Pardes Channa
Yael : Yesterday we had Me, Tal-or and Alon, who is a volunteer who joined us and he says he really enjoyed the experience. Gizela was with an excellent mood, she asked Alon questions and talked about situation and life. Then we went to Shulamit and there, I totally feel at home. She immediately gives me permission to remove the snacks and drinks and we sit around the table and talking and laughing. She's very friendly, always important for her to feel comfortable. Tal or also love her and we had a very nice talk about many things. She feels better but the hand itself does not improve, probably because of her age. it will take to heal it much longer , but we wish her only good health ! We finished with Dina. we arrived and telephone line was off and I personally went to pay her phone bill in order it will work . The house was dirty than usual. She was very happy that we came so we could help her. Indeed, we cleaned her little house and threw the garbage. And now the phone back in use. I personally really enjoy these sessions and it gives me a lot of satisfaction.
Zvia : Jonah actually declining not remember suddenly says her daughter went to visit her husband is in the hospital is very constant with a woman there really cursed today almost went to blows I had been needed to remove and separate this one from a fixed but is always glad that we are and always have to have to bring her chocolate. Jonah is really cute - sitting outside, talking and laughing just admitted that we came to visit.
Isaiah stays (more and more) in bed with oxygen and uses no longer his legs and is taking care for in all what he needs. He does not move his feet at all.
Rivka : I went with Dani Linoy and Morgan. We started at Ruth and Michael. Morgan brought his Sousaphone and it was a real pleasure for all of us to listen to him playing with an advanced ability. From them we went to Aviva and for Linoyi she is the Ideal grandma and they love each other very much. From her we went to Gizela who was amazed and so happy to listen to Morgan's playing. With her we ended our visits.
Daniel Braun
E-mail: danielxrw@gmail.com
Phone: + 972 54 772 3510
Welkom op onze website: lechaim2life.org.il
June 5, 2019, Sivan 2, 5779,
Dear Friends !
Next week, the Jewish people will celebrate the holiday of Shavuot - and Matan Torah. Formative and important event in the history of Israel and an opportunity to raise slightly by overall the mood of the story in the world and in the huge Jewish heart which has already been said by one of the scholars of Israel that "the whole Torah is about the commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself". I wish to mention in this story the story of Yafim's house cleaning , who is a winner from Katzarin and the students from Maitzar Preparatory, used to come and visit him. This story tells beautifully the main idea and the vision of "Lechaim". As it is well known for many years, long before the Amuta was established , he was living in a messy house thoroughly and was completely neglected. Over the years, people have tried to convince him to improve the look of the house and he firmly refused. Here, a group of wonderful young men and women, with very sensitive hearts , realized the depth of their hearts that change the perspective and the regular ritual of relate to some of a Holocaust survivors , which was wrong.
"In other words, to give him the feeling that only burdens him and makes him more strengthen the business card of his that he was wrong. And, here the wonderful revolution: the group came to visit him with total acceptance of who he was and as he is, and understood in the depth in their souls that the only chance for his soul is to allow a real connection with full acceptance without trying to define things as good or bad. Just to get it and find the beauty spots abound by being who he is.
So, week after week, and for months, the meetings of unconditional love and reinforcing life made the big change . Suddenly, Yafim asked for it ! and slowly, ever so gently it happened. With this wonderful souls, cleaned and improved and cleared the residence and made a beautiful space. It was impossible to believe. But the main point was: the continuity of operations. The relationship being built, slowly week by week. Not as a one time project , but as a way of life of the deep and beautiful remain besieged hearts for life. It is doing a commandment to" love thy neighbor as thyself " at its best and glory. This is the essence of our activities throughout the years. To elevate and raise the people involved in this project, both: young and adults. We call for special people who understand the depth of the project and the latent him to join and contribute to us so that we can realize this vision into practice.
Let's give the sound and being heard !
Happy Shavuot. Daniel.
Margo : Visiting Israël, visiting the projects of L’Chaimtolife May 2019.
The goal of coming to Israël was visiting the Shoa winners, the students and also some of the staf. I was very aware that I came as an ambassador for all those who also love and sponsor amutat L’Chaim but could not come. I carried all their love with me and tried to share it at all places. They must know that they are not forgotten, even more: they are loved and that we try to do as much as possible to help in their circumstances. And it was life changing for me. Their love and kindness reflected back to my heart so I can give it to the people here in the south of Holland. To see those shiny faces of young and old, to see how the old people react at every gentle gesture, the joy of seeing “their kids” and the joy of the young students and the willingnes to help and take responsibility. Wow wow, so overwhelming to experience. That I could be part of it for some hours and they do this every week or 2 weeks through the whole year. This old men and woman are so strong and are lifechanging for all of us. The contact with the students, several of them, was very special, as if we know each other for a long time! They were open and curious to hear from me about what we do. Also the conversations with Daniël and Timek and Shir were good; I think that we are growing as a team more closer together and open in sharing. Thank you and I look forward to work further in that spirit! We call it teambuilding.
During the whole trip, in busses and train and everywhere I met with people. What I felt was a lot of pressure and how difficult it is to live with that pressure. I sensed a sort of walls around them and every time I saw also that in the contact wholes came in that walls… That touched my heart so much that it is still every day within me, an overwhelming love. The hardest face became smiling…Hashem showed me much more but He will work it out if it is neccesary. All that I know for now is that I look forward to meet again. It stimulates me to promote the work even more and better here in Holland. I can give back a lot of love here what I got from all of you!! And so the circle is round… Love is the most powerful instrument and it is shared in L’Chaim at his best at all levels and with all the different persons and talents. So encouraging, so inspiring to do more and better. Thank you all for your love and hospitality and driving me around…
Toda raba chaveriem ve lehitraot! Hope that next time I can speak more Ivriet!
With much joy, Margo
A letter of thanks to the students from Maitzar and Amutat Lecahim : May 23, 2019
in honor of Amutat "Lechaim" and Mechina Maitzar :
We would like to thank the wonderful students for their dedicated work on behalf of the survivors who live in the protected house in Zfat . It is very important that people who have connection with the elderly in our country, there is a continuity of generations.
Seniors were very satisfied with the students . With tears of joy they expressed their gratitude to for the important work in the gardens of their homes. Importantly, these people who has passed the horrors of war, feel the attention and the respect from the students.
In addition, work was done at the right time, especially because the weather heat haze, which can be very dangerous and can lead to fires.
our team of who work in the senior housing very are grateful wishing all of you wonderful life and hope for further cooperation in the future and success. Regards: The house "mother" - Nella Margolis, S. worker of the house - Rayia Goldenshtien .
copy: Limor Yanai - Director of sheltered housing Amidar
Avishai trustee - Director of Amidar, Safed Assaf Kudish - Director Diorim protected "health services".
What's new in the North
Today we had a beautiful end of year celebration in Mayan Baruch with the Shoa
victors from Kiryat Shmona and kibbutz Neot with the students.
End of year party in Mayan baruch
The students prepared a great party, we had joyful time together with some
well known Israeli and Yiddish music, Yuval spoke for all the students beautiful
words of love and encouragement, how important it was to them to visit them
in houses for the love, the stories of the past, for the hospitality and also
just having fun together.
Neli and Zina enjoying
It ment a lot to them. Also Klara thanked the students for their visits, love
and care, the practical help and encouragement during the season.
Traditional end of year picture
Klara wished them all the best in their lives. All the students received from Klara and Rina a personal present, to keep remember them in the future. The homes of the shoa victors remain open to them and for sure, some of the students will keep in touch with them the coming years while serving in the IDF. Last week me and Daniel went to Mechina in Meitsar and had an evaluation with the students. All the students expressed what the visits of the Shoa Victors meant to them personally. Some of the exciting stories are captured in the video's included this report. (Video is in Hebrew language only https://youtu.be/MOLV9VvGBdw) .
here is one: In this videos the students spoke with Daniel, telling how they developed slowly their relations with Marit and Yossi from Chukuk . Adva tell us how she felt to leave Yossi who was their winner and how it felt as they neglected him . Along the year it was amazing, Not every visit I was with all my energy, But after good meetings we were thrilled . He started to do things that he didn't do for a long time as to be in the nature , to walk with us showing the Kibbutz and the reaction of surprised members to see him and speak with him. The sun and the light made him being so happy. I hope that because of us - he will do it more often. He have family but they are not around and he spend most of his days infront of the T.V. eat, and sleep. We changed his priorities and I wish it will stay with him even when we are not around. I cried when we left... Timek is such a good coordinator and a good soul. We really love him. The top of everything was cleaning the gardens for the Russian old people. It was such a good and great year. Many thanks for "Lechaim". https://youtu.be/BCOmQjSKRVs Daniel :There are days that old people ( and young as well ) get up in the morning and doesn't have the energy to do or meet any body. We think that everything have to be bright and with glow. You, give them the will and with your help Yossi got out from his tiny room and saw his mates and he was happy to see them, and they were happy to see him.
Shalom from the Galilee, Timek
Pardes Channa
Yechiam : We came to visit Yonna and Isaiyhu, our other Jonah and Aliza . The
visit was great. Jonah normally was happy to see us and announced to everyone
who came from Holocaust survivors to visit her and brought her chocolates.
Yechiam Yonna and Talor
We told her that she was the most beautiful in the department .. very funny
to her. Then we went to Isaiah lying in his bed. But he spoke with us, happy
to see us telling how it difficult for him to get out of bed. But he watches
the news and read the newspaper. Then we went to Jonah
Yona
and she told us about her immigration to Israel and how much they had to work
. The girls have made her happy . Finally at Aliza
Aliza and her guests
we heard about the concentration camps and visiting Germany, and how glad she
was to be in the country, and that there is no alternative then our own country.
Yael: Today I went with Zvia, Morgan and Shira and we had fun together. We started
with Gizela, she was in a good mood but did not feel well - unfortunately ...
Then, we got to Shulamit and she feels much better , and the operation in her
hand were consoled does not need to undergo an operation and removed her hand
she don't wear anymore the splint
All the group with Sulamit
. We went to Dina, her daughter did to her a hair cut which look really nice.
and then we got to Zipporah bringing her package. Lovely Aviva as always was
very glad that we came.
Aviva loves them
Modiin
Shir :We went last weekend : Itamar and I visit Ganet and Shulamit.
We started visiting Ganet. It was the first time in her new sheltered housing
in Modiin. It's just a pleasure to see her so happy having good company and
not alone in this house. Ganet is a woman of people and just seeing her when
she's with a good company it's a pleasure . I'm happy that she was brave to
take this step. We had fun catching up call about how she's doing and what our
supporters and family members.
Shir Janet and Itamar.
Then, we went to Shulamit and we sat together with Ilona in her home. Shulam recovering from her eyes, and looks much better. We talked about the family, about our future, moving to Beersheba for our studies. Shulamit and Lonnie were very interested, it was a fun conversation, warm and affectionate.
Chag Shavuot Sameach
Daniel Braun
May 21, 2019, Iyar 16, 5779
Dear Friends !
I just could not help but add some more words about the excitement and exhilaration
I experienced all poured it again in light of the good deeds of our partners
from all directions. If it's from Neve Michael, and the visits which became
pro-life really, and of course the "Angels" from Maitzar Preparatory
as my dear classmate Orit who ran the field and did a remarkable works in spite
of the warm temperatures.
Daniel
Orit : Two weeks ago, my neighbours came to me and to my son, asking us to
clean a very neglected garden with full of high weeds belong to an elderly couple
childless who came from Russia.
Before and (the second picture) : With the lady living in the house nearby.
After finishing the backbreaking work, a few more people came to us who are
survivors in their past and begged us to help them also. I have to say that
I lived near a residential facility who live there mainly immigrants from the
former Soviet Union who have reached the age of 90 and more, most of them without
children in the country and some are childless. I saw that I could not do it
alone and called Daniel to help this operation. Daniel readily agreed to my
request and has sent me a group of angels from the preparatory in Maitzar.
The happy volunteers
Twenty students were a great company with good will and willingness to work.
We scattered for three houses where there were the most critical work. It was
stunning! I do not know how the images reflect this but they worked very hard
in the hot sun. Finished the job, and the occupants around did not stop to thank
them.
I went back to see the same people and they are grateful and excited . The
light and the joy in their eyes said everything. One of the women who came back
after being hospitalized, was so surprised to see the condemned made her to
cry and it was so was thrilling that my tears also came out. It is always exciting
to see small or large acts of giving with simple gestures can heal broken hearts
and love.
Results
Congratulations Preparatory angels, you brought a lot of light to very broken
and tired people. Many thanks Daniel for the help . Thanks to the Creator by
taking part of this privileged project.
Orit
Noa and Shir:
Like every week on Tuesday we come to visit Annete, but this time we knew that
our lovely Annette was celebrating her birthday. We decided to organize a surprise
party for her. We brought balloons, cake, candles and greetings and it was our
surprise party. She was really excited and did not stop to thank us. To see
her like that made us with such a good feelings in our hearts.We congratulated
her, danced, sang , then sat and ate together the birthday cake, Annette was
shining with pleasure and expressed her gratitude again and again. It was just
lovely.
They hug happily
Read the greetings.jpg
Rachel Yair : Last time, we started with Zipporah and we sat down to have lunch. We were wondering why we don't sit outside ever. Her answer was that the tables and chairs are dirty. Right away we got up and did the cleaning and we believe that this "startup" caused her to start sitting outside, to see and feel the sun, because she never goes out much.
We gave her our blessings and a picture saying goodbye and went to Ester. There, we sat around a firepit satwith her daughter and granddaughter, Alonit and Adele. We finished really well and told her that we do not realize that this is the end of this year. But we know that it's really not the end and we will keep in touch.
Greetings : Rachel: After a year with our winning Holocaust, Esther and Zipporah, it is very difficult to say goodbye to both of them. I learned a lot from this two strong and intelligent women, which created a real bonds during the year. Without a doubt, I plan to keep in touch with them, and this week I already called to say hello and I already miss them. I am very very grateful for my preparatory and "Lechaim" for giving me the opportunity to meet to this amazing people, and I was privileged to hear their stories ... stories that I'll treasure for a lifetime . .
Yair : Hey Shir ! First thing I will use this opportunity to say thank you for this year that you accompanied us and were sympathetic ear at a problematic moments. So a summary of the year with the "Lechaim" project : a difficult year, between increases and decreases great joy of family love and feelings a little less pleasant. Fun and challenging year for two people which is in your heart, teaches you about the older generation remind you about interaction with people and how much a little something is doing well and changes feelings. I feel that volunteering is something that have changed my attitude to older people. I see them in a different and a better light seeing their status, and how a little thing can influence so much. In terms of improving retention I think that you and Rachel helped me very much if was what to do in certain situations.
In conclusion this was a great year and important and I thank you very much for giving us your inspiration giving us the feeling that we can always turn to you for any eventuality.
Itay : separating from Eli and Shalom. It was exciting and
empowering. We brought them our blessings and pictures we took together .
With Eli it was really exciting . At first we talked about life as usual and
then we gave him our greetings and pictures from the visits. He also took pictures
of his family and showed us . It was a special experience.
Niv and Yoed came to say goodbye to Moses and Irene
for the last time. We talked about our lives .. the army and my trip to the
US in the summer. In addition we drank tea and talked about the health effects
of our diet over long terms. Irene showed photos of the beach in Ukraine. As
usual, they spoiled us with cookies and we parted with hugs and kisses.
Moshe and Irena with Niv and Yoed
We arrived to Julie and talked about what we had in the preparatory course . We prepared drink and eat-omelet with tuna and grilled cheese. We promised her that we will keep in touch and brought her a picture in frame er with us. Her granddaughter and then her friend Esther joined us. We parted with much love.
Juli with Niv and Yoed
Yuval Adi: we came to Judith and talked about our last meeting with her and agreed that what we went through this year, and experienced was very special. We completed gaps in our last meeting and we talked a lot. We brought her a gift we made a photo framework with dedication and greetings and we took a picture together.
Pardes Hanna
A week ago we were off when we are divided into three cheerful groups . We
had a rich bag of groceries and good mood to share it with 0ur adults friend
. Zvia went to Shoham starting with Yeshayahu,
who felt blessed to see us and has laughed with the students and Zvia.
Yona call them "Tzadikim" and very proud having them as her
visitors. Yona was very happy on the Independence day because her nephew and
his family has celebrated the holiday with her. Yechiam: all his family members
accompanied Gizela while being hospitalized.
Bringing flowers for the holiday
And we even spoke with Aahron - her son who lives in the United States and
reported him what was happening. But the Creator loves this brave woman and
leaving her to enjoy the sun and the flowers (which can be seen on our backs).
And anything is possible, especially attention from a fresh sweet family . What
you are doing is already part of her heartfelt of appreciation.. Yael our dear
volunteer , visited with Shira Dina, who really was happy to
receive them and for once the house was clean, Dina was freshed up and the mood
was enhanced.
Happy with Dina
Rebekah: We We started our way with Aviva who really love our visits , and had that same afternoon to reach an important test, so we came early to see her . She is so in her age is very lively, interested in us, happy about everything and very grateful for what we bring to her. Zippora suddenly "discovered" the seniors club and how much she can enjoy there. In fact, there is a financial difficulty for more then one day - and we hope it will be possible to help her, but only on condition that the welfare authorities will reach down on the subject. Another journey of visiets has passed and we are happy to know what a joy it brings to the people .
All the best to all of you,
Rivka
May 16, 2019, Iyar 11, 5779
Dear friends,
We are in the closing month of the volunteering year with the student. It was again a very fruitful year. All the students did a wonderful and dedicated work visiting the shoa winners every week. They all build a great relationship that will continue also after the volunteering period.
Many of the students promised the shoa winners to keep in touch. They promised
to visit them also and this happens more often than I even know.
Roi from last year visiting EliRam and Irit now as a soldier
Just last week Roi from the last year mechina visited Eliram, now as soldier.
Cleaning in Jafim's house:
Omer and Tomer, with Hadas and Lotem cleaned Jafim's house completely. It was
not easy to convince Jafim to do so. Jafim for many years resisted that the
students would do any cleaning in his house. But this group of students succeeded.
And how they managed is a great story.
Cleaning at Jafim house
In Jafim's house the mess became deeper. The kitchen, bathroom and living room was black from dirt which were pilled for many years. The floor in the living room was full of unused stuff, clothes, old food, rubbish. . It started that the students brought to Jafim a good second hand and nice sofa and a table where he could eat. That was great start. Omer and Tomer slowly and bit by bit through weekly visits build more and more trust. They played games, listened to Jafim favorite music on youtube etc.. And by the end Jafim allowed to do a little of cleaning. The four students turned Jafims house to a completely clean and organized house. The walls, kitchen, floors, all is shining now. Jafim has now space to live, to enjoy life. In few hours of hard work, the students made a big miracle in Jafims live. And not only that. They helped him to reduce and stop smoking and they urged him and helped him to even stop gambling on internet. Jafim understands that, but we will need a new group of courageous students in the next season that will continue to lift up Jafim's esteem and keep his life shining.
Planting flours and cleaning in Neot
The students from Mayan Baruch brought nice flowers to Rachel and planted them
in her little garden. What a joy was that!
Maybe you remember that Steve's house was burned last year. Steve was in deep
meditation and didn't know that the air-condition above his head got fire because
of a electricity shortcut. His neighbors wake him up and it was a miracle that
Steve survived. Until to day he thanks HaShem for this miracle. Many of his
life memories were burned. But what was not burned was his old book from the
independence war from 1948, when he took photographs of this war. This was a
second miracle that happened. The remaining items and books were black by fire,
smoke and water damage. The students discovered that many of these valuable
items are still stored outside of Steve tiny house and started to clean them.
Steve can't do it by him selves and this is a great opportunity for the students
to talk and work and feel also very meaningful. We will continue next year until
all the items will be cleaned up for Steve.
Students with Rachel from Rosh Pina. Rachel is reading the card which were brought
from the Dutch group by Margo.
Margo en Rachel
Celebrating the end of season in Chazor. It was a great year together.
Chazr - the end of the season
Students enjoy Marit's open heart in her house in Chukuk.
With Marit from Cukuk
Students with Jossi in Chukuk. For Jossi this was an unforgettable year.
Margo, the "lechaim-to-life" representative from Holland, has joined
me during our visits with the students in Katzrin, Rosh Pina, Chazor and in
Kibbutz Neot-Mordechai.
Also we visited Zfat with Shir. Margo got a beautiful impression of Lechaim-to-life in action. Thank you Margo with all the other supporters from Holland for your love and financial support!
Visiting Ester from Zfat:
Thank you for your support!
Blessings,
Timek
Timrat
We went yesterday to Tamar and she was very glad that we came, explaining that she is waiting from time to time to the next meeting. She opened up the albums and began to tell us about her life . She brought a bunch of pages written about her life. It was really fascinating to hear what they wrote about her. We returned back tothe .the Ulpana very excited
Zfat
Last Friday was a very special day for Margo, Timik and me with some Holocaust winner here in Zfat. We started visiting Shalom. Margo and Timik admired the old town and the home's unique location. Shalom's unique home, is small and crowded with equipment and souvenirs as a little uniqe shop. The conversation was funny and fun , using four languages: Hebrew, English and a little Dutch and French. There were also personal and moving parts that Shalom told us about his life.
Then we came to Moses and Irene, the chemistry was immediate. They are relatively well understood English and was easier to communicate. They talked about life in the Holocaust, immigration to Israel and the absorption difficulties especially their love for the country and Zfat and their families. They told their son his wife and 2 daughters who live in Ashkelon and communicate their sons lot on Skype due to distance but meet on holidays.
Later we went to Julie told how she enjoys the visits and love all children and soldiers. She also shared the daily difficulties she have, not used to them which increased on the last six months. She shared that in the past was active and active and now has difficulty walking but still admits there every day with every difficulty leaving the house and going to the club.
The last visit was shared with Esther. We walked along the forest-year-old restaurant where we ate a delicious lunch and we were celebrating a birthday Esther 84. Then we Esther coffee and cake. I brought her home to her gift and a blessing and read it in Hebrew and English and was very excited on all sides. Esther told about the many difficulties suffered in the Holocaust, the lack of clothing, hunger, swollen legs from walking through the snow and the special moment where family and is- exploited while fleeing the Nazis took them to the woods. It was towards the end of the war. The Nazis also said in reply, so they will not survive, and let them go. It is truly a miracle. Calls were pouring smiles and laughter full of excitement.
I was very happy about the fun and exciting time with Margo and Timik and could be a pipe that connects between the winners and see the excitement on both sides.
Then I visited Lillian granddaughter told me she moved out to Israel with her husband and her family and her son undergoing surgery very difficult. Lillian is the real mother always takes the trouble of everyone in a very personal and heart. We raised a lot of precious memories malignant late Lillian told how much she misses him, his presence, his calm, soothing voice and his warmth. The visit was exciting and full of longing.
Shir and Ester (from Zffat speak about what the visits of the students means to Ester. See the video (He/En).
Daniel speak with 3
students from Mayan Baruch.
Daniel Braun
E-mail: danielxrw@gmail.com
Phone: + 972 54 772 3510
Welcome to our website at: lechaim2life.org.il
May 1, 2019, Nissan 26, 5779
Dear friends,
We have been visiting our dear Shoa victors, a few day's before the remembrance
day of the Shoa. These are very tense days for them. The media and all kind
of activities are being organized around the theme and for some it is very hard
to cope with, also a lot of emotional pain comes out.
For example Ruchama. Last summer, suddenly has lost her only son. He was fifty
years old and he got an heart attack and has passed away.From now then Ruchama
is daily weeping over her son and is unable to restore her life in a way that
it makes more sense to live. I asked her many times if she needs help, but she
replied that all her life she managed to deal with difficulties alone. She would
manage also this time.
May and Adi, wonderful young dedicated girls visiting Ruchama.
The students do and did a wonderful job this year visiting her on a weekly basis.
Ruchama kept being strong and didn't show them any suffering and pain in her
soul. Until yesterday. The intensity of the up coming Shoa remembrance day made
it possible. She admitted to our students that she needs external help in dealing
with the pain. I believe this is already part of her healing. Now I have to
find the right person that can help her in a professional way. I need help from
HaShem for this.
Another example with Mina.
Mina with Bar and Ophre
Mina is in the middle of a chemo-therapy. Baruch HaShem, the therapy looks
to do the job successfully. Except that Mina lost all of her hair, and and she
is not allowed to go out and do any hard work. But Mina's head is full of sorrows
and pessimistic thoughts. She thinks that all people are cheating her and make
advantage of her. I admit she has to deal with serious bureaucratic problems
and she is tired to keep fighting with the authorities. A stream of complains
is not easy to stop when all her thoughts find a way out, to our ears. And then
Ophre, young student girl that is volunteering with us, that cares so much for
Mina, jumps in and speaks: "But Mina, there are also many good people that
help you so much. Don't forget."
And it is true. Mina gets every week visit not only from Ophre and Bar. Also
Judith is visiting her every week. And there are many more.
Mina smiles and says to me: "Where do you find such a wonderful young people
that visit me every week? Year after year you send me the best people that I
ever met. Where do you find them? My reply is this: Baruch HaShem, He is the
one that cares for Mina. She knows what she needs. She can not go out of her
house, and the students visit her and bring her food and cook for her. Mina
has to do just one thing: to relax. That is a hard think to do for her.
And then Steve.
Steve with Noj, Itamar, Yuval and Amit.jpg
Steve is a very special man that has been saved from Germany by a kindertransport.
And so, Steve became a Brit. In this video the students look back to a fruitful
year with Steve. The video is in Hebrew, but you that don't understand the language,
will grasp something and you will see the smiling faces that speak for thousand
of words. Rivka will translate for me some of the highlights in this video here
below. Enjoy!
Timek.
Zfat
For once Zipporah had great and it was nice to see her. As usual we had delicious
food and made up gaps after long time no see. She told about the Saider she
had with her family, and it is very boring when the Senior Club is closed. We
have decided that from now - until the end of the year we will come every week
till upcoming breakup although we have to come back later in the evening. We
want to make every moment and prefer to skip dinner in the kibbutz and winning
visiting our favorites we have learned lots and get close to Zippora on Yom
Hashoah. We feel how our encounter with the winners affected us. We also met
Moses and Irina and and Julie. We started to talk about what we are going to
do in the future. Moses is very interested in our personal life. Irina wasn't
feeling well and we gave her lapel and soon. goalie hosts us warmly and we feel
just like home. We see how she suffers from pain in the foot, but we have no
way to help her. But every time we get to see her eyes light up and sparkle,
and it's worth it.
Zippora from Chukuk with Moshe and Yoed
Yesterday I met with our beloved one Shalom
.jpg)
Itai and Shalom
We met him in a good mood, he laughed and told us about his day. Through the
Holocaust and attitudes toward Jews during the Holocaust. It was very meaningful
and enjoyable meeting with her. Rachel: I feel that my volunteering has affected
all my observation on Holocaust Memorial day, because it just gives me more
personal understanding that connects me to the history of the Holocaust and
the pains which still exists in our nation and in our everyday lives .
Daniel
April 18, 2019, Nissan 13, 5779
Shalom Friends.
Last week visits with the students in all the places went beautiful as every
week.
In Kibbutz Ginosar the students made a birthday party for Batya.
Batya with Amit
Batya enjoys every visit. Afik, Amit and Nitsan take her out in her scoot-mobile through the kibbutz. Her life improves so much through this act of love from the students.
In Kibbutz HaGoshrim, Ran and Ira visited Chadasa and Arontzik. They love them
so much. Today when I brought the Pesach package to their home, Chadasa was
shining.
.jpg)
Ran and Ira with Chadasa and Arontzik in HaGoshrim
It was her birthday today. I didn't know that. She praised the students and we hugged each other and exchanged blessings.
In Kiryat Shmona Yuval and Noj visited Raya.
Raya with Ram and Ira
Raya always makes a very tasty cake. Raya doesn't go out much, so she enjoys
when students come and bring joy and good spirit into her tiny house.
Yesterday and today I visited all the shoa victors that I do take care off,
to wish them a blessed and kosjer Chag Pesach. To each of them I brought a nice
food package for Pesach.
From everyone of the shoa victors I received the most precious reports how positive impact brings to their daily live.
A few examples:
Mina from Chazor is in the middle of chemo therapy.
Mina from Chatzor
She can't leave her house and her own family is not available for her. Ophre and Bar help her with shopping and cleaning. For Mina these students are like angels. She told me: "They are closer to me than my own family."
Tzipora from Chukuk is sitting on her chair outside her house and told us about her brother. We made Pita with za'atar with Labane ( it was yummy !!). We ate and talked about voting, and unfortunately we left pretty early to go and vote. But we as usual, gave her a hug and said we are already excited to come and visit her again .Until we met for the first time (few years ago), nobody in her whole life visited Tsipora. As a very brave shoa victor and young fighter in the Independence war near Banjas Syria-Libanees border, she suffered much that nobody cares. Now I can see in her face that the process of healing of her soul is there.
Zippora from Chukuk
As soon as I came in with a Pesach present, her face shined. She told me how
very much she appreciate that I don't forget her, keep visiting her, especially
in time's of the holidays. She thanked for the beautiful cyclamenplant that
I brought her few months ago on Tu BeShvat. She pointed to the plant, that she
can see from her chair every day. The plant is still full of flowers, reflecting
the inner joy of Tzipora.
Cyclame
Jafim from Katzrin celebrathed his birthday.
Yafim
Jafim is a very lonesome man. He has a son in a far country and his only grandson now almost 3 years old, and he didn't see him yet. The students came, brought a cake for him and celebrated his birthday. Jafim was moved to tears.
I wish you all a blessed and meaningful Pesach festival.
Timek
Zfat
Yoed and Niv: we came to Juli, feeling at home with her. We talked a bit and
prepared omelets, and spoke about the elections, what we are going to vote and
what we believe to be on the end. We noticed that her foot is bothering her
and hurts her but she takes pills and handle it. Itayi, Yuval and Adi : we were
met Eli . It was very enjoyable! It was a hot day and we sat with him on the
porch and talked about religion and about the history of Jews in Zfat throughout
the years. We learned a lot new things.
Pasover 2019 Modiin, Riri love Shir
I believe that good attracts good in the world and the good is coming to Modiin as the tale of young religious youth, brought me bags stuffed with goodies collected by them by collecting outside the supermarket in our town and told me that they really want it to arrive to the Holocaust winners in the city and are happy to pass it to our organization because they heard what we do for the winners.
The bags were arranged into individual bags and were arranged for our wonderful winners. I went from house to house, I have been in love and I split the transports and the winners bowed more highly.
Between visits so far were Shulamit, Chemda, Mordechai, Riri and Svetlana & Dimitry. The most exciting visits were in Riri and Svetlana& Dimitry.
Riri is in a difficult health situation and she told me how much everything is composed her now and really thought what to do with Passover products and how to buy and how to take. And virtually every product that we brought were her holiday shopping list and just felt it was heaven.
With Svetlana and Dimitry, were much moved by the feeling that they have us
as their family. She told me how exciting that we think about them.
Svet and Dimitri smiling and happy
We accompanying them so close and always there to help when needed from the heart and with love and thought.
Wish you all a Happy Passover and continue the journey to be the best version of ourselves to make this world a slightly better version of its tiniest and good will attract good. Shir.
Pardes Channa
This week we have equipped ourselves packages loaded with all the best - thanks to precious Shuki who throughout the year, accompany us and saves every penny to justify on doing the best to our organization.
Kamcha De Passcha
Thanks to the people who provide us voluntarily fruits and vegetables, Ruth from Talmai Elazar the one that no one can refuse to her requests. One word from her move mountains ... and we of course, those who collect, clusters and always try to get a nice package and healthy ingredients. So , I went Yael and Dani(the man who is next to me) and we went and blessed each man and woman bringing the gift for the holiday with pleasure and joy.
Lechaim for the holiday of freedom
The hugs and the excitment justified these efforts. Tzvia and Yechiam, also
have send their blessings on behalf of the students of Neve Michael.
The ties are increasing and we are grateful to all the donors who enable us
to have this wonderful privilege on makeing close the hearts of young and old
generations by having camaraderie of a beautiful and happy relationship. We
continue to walk hand in hand and bring lights to the areas which are not illuminated
enough.
Blessings for happy holiday to all of our friends and our volunteers.
Rivka
Chag Smeach !!!
April 4, 2019, Nissan 9, 5779
Yechiam: yesterday, I came from a week of a reserve service and combat , and
before I went home, I went with my daughter to Gizela, because to me as a IDF
paratroopers officer to stand near this brave women , that's the answer to the
world that we won even nobody wanted us here.
Yechiam, Gizela and the girl
Especially at the so exciting day that baumel's body were brought to a burial (after 30 years) back to Israel and to his family. ..
Modiin
Keshet Tamar and Ronnie - We came for a second time to Leah after a very long
time. Leah was too busy. It was just few days after Purim, so we brought her
a packege delivery. She is very excited and insisted on opening the Mishloach
Manot and to eat and share with her the goodies.
Lea with Keshet Tamar and Roni
We told her what we did during Purim and she told us that this was the first time she disguised herself and she even won in the costume contest !
Then she told us about her past and the difficulty of acclimatize to Argentina after the war. She told us how she studied the whole summer the Spanish language to reduce the large gap between her and the boys in her age .. It was really exciting and inspiring. At the end, we said goodbye and arranged to meet her soon. She was really happy and we were too.
Noah Benjamin Shay and Maya: We came to Chemda at Saturday night, and we decided that everyone prepare something delicious that will be eaten with her . We have prepared the "ears" of Haman, green salad, dates balls and cupcakes.
Chemda was thrilled and showed us that she have planed to prepare with us olive salad and radish salad we always prepare together . We conducted our table ate together and laughed as usual. Chemda told us about the pain she experienced lately and the great difficulty involved in determining a doctor's appointment in a while that makes sense . We showed videos of our coveted "Coronation" and told her a little about the process of shooting pictures . We ate together and drank tea with desserts . It was fun, funny and delicious as usual !
Pardes Channa
This time we visited our people and it was with much joy. See the joy Aliza
have when celebrating and making goodies ahead for the gang
With Aliza
Yael and Salomit were unable to separate and deepened their love.
Yael and Shulamit
We visited the Aviva, and she is ready for Passover because she
is very clean and everything is shining in her house.
Aviva with Rivka
She talked about the elections next week. Zippora have a problem in her eyes
and she wait for a long time for an operation . Gizela after a long time she
stood on her legs and was in a good mood.
Gizela with Rivka
Dina was glad to get the package because of her medical condition she could not go out and buy groceries. We went back satisfied and happy and hope to see them in two weeks.
Mechina Baram in Zfat
Yoed: today it was a special day! I came to Moses and Arena. We talked a lot
about Jerusalem and religious which we had studied last week. Moses and Arena
expressed their opinion on the matter.
Moshe and Yoed
After that we talked philosophy and history. At 2:30 Niv has arrived and joined the conversation, he talked about the seminar he had three days ago. After him came Avia and updated their roughs. Yoed: Then, I came to Juli to keep her company. We talked a little politics and I asked how she was. I made some scrambled egg and we ate. It was an excellent meeting.
Rachel and Yoed: we were once at Esther after we hadn't community involvement
for a long time, our visit was fun. She feels a lot better, even moments we
danced and we sang songs. I was shocked, her energies! Of course we ate delicious
food, and she told us about her boyfriend. On the end we gave her a course how
to take from her phone pictures and send them in the What's up. It was a lot
of fun and warmed our hearts.
Ester, Rachel and Yoed
We arrived to Shalom and he was with full joy to see us. We talked about the trip in Jerusalem, and we told him about so many holy places we have been. We had great time with him.
Shabbat Shalom !
Rivka
March 25, 2019, Adar Sheni 18, 5779
Dear friends of Lechaim,
In all our places in the north of Israel: Kyriat Shmona, Kibbytz HaGoshrim Neot Mordechai, Chazor, Rosh Pina, , Katzrin , Kibbutz Chukuk and Genosar. The students brought "Mishloach Manot" to the shoa victors. Those who were able to, went together with the students to their neighbors and gave a gift to them too. It was a joyful day for so many.
Steve, together with Yuval and Itamar went out and gave a present to Steve
neighbor. A lady in a wheelchair.
Steve and Yuval
They spent together quality time and while Steve went to see the doctor, the students stayed with the lady and brought love and joy into her tiny house.
Jossi in Chukuk went out with Shachar, Iti and Adva and brought Mishloach Manot
to the neighbor as you can see in the picture below.
Shachar Iti and Adva with Yosi
The same happened in kibbutz Genosar, where the students went with EliRam's
wife out, because EliRam couldn't go.
Rosh pina - with Rachel
In Rosh Pina the students brought Mishloach Manot to Rachel and on the next week they will bring to Chana who was not at home that day.
In Chazor the students brought Jaffa, Ruchama and Bracha together for a Purim
party. They prepared Purim songs and sweets on the table.
Jafa Ruchama and Bracha enjoy purim together with students
Purim in Hazor
Ruchama made also very tasty cookies. For a while all the sorrows of Ruchama
and Jaffa disappeared. Mina couldn't join us , because she had a chemotherapy
the day before and couldn't leave the house. So Ophre and Bar visited her and
brought Mishloach Manot. Next week the students will continue Purim and will
go with Jafa, Ruchama and Bracha to bring the Mischloach Manot to their neighbors.
Jafa with Ram and Ira
Raya with Ram and Ira
In Kiryat Shmona, I, Rom and Ira went from door to door and brought Mishloach Manot to all of our victors there. To those who cannot leave their house because of their health, it was a special time that we came to them with a present which represents love and greetings from all of our Lechaim supporters!
Thank you for supporting us!
Chag Purim Sameach,
Timek
Pardes Channa
We had happy Purim party in Neve Michael. Adults and young people gathered,
and the most popular mask was a hat on the head.
Huts ! the most popular mask for Purim
Teaching what to do with baloon
The crown
Ruth Michael and Morgan sit together learning
Yael, Shulamit and one of the boys
The mood was elevated, and we sang Purim songs with Morgan and a trumpet player
who accompanied him.
Singing with Morgan and a friend with a trumpet
Then came a guide who taught us how to make balloon's doggies. We blow balloons
with special pumps and learned how to create shapes with the balloons. It was
colorful and interesting. We kept playing and sang with Morgan and a friend.
Aviva , Bat el and Yechiam with Baloon crown
The table is full with Baloons
Yechiam greeted all the participants for the holiday. Zvia gave a bowl of soup
Then we started to have questioner about the holiday when three girls and Yechiam's
children was charming, knowing the details about the holiday. Then Mishloach
Manot was given from the youngsters and the old gave to the young students.
Yona with Hadasa
Morgan give Mishloach Manot to Ruth and Michael
It was very exciting . On the way back Yael went with Shulamit and brought
to a neighbor Mishloach Manot . They weren't at home but their grandson accepted
it and thanked them. Aviva, Rivka and Dani, reached Garmen who was very glad
to see us and thanked us for the surprise.
Zfat
Shir : Purim this year was very special for me, in all the rush of my daily
work which I am happy with it and won it, I took two days, just to focus on
Lechaim the family which is so my favorite.
On the first day we celebrated an exciting and joyful party of Purim in Zfat.
The winners and the volunteers were dressed up for the holiday. We were all
thrilled for the meeting with these wonderful participants and the happy atmosphere.
Lechaim picture in Zfat
We circled and each of us was telling about a happy event in his life. It
was exciting to hear recent and memorable events throughout the year for some
people. I was especially excited about Esther's story about the moment her ship
came to Israel, when she realized that she was finally in Israel. During the
tour, one of our winners: Zipporah, seamed that it is not simple for to find
any good point in her life, and every day the painful for the death of her brother,
struggling to find anything good to say... I was excited to see the caressing
hand of Yair, the volunteer who comes to comfort her and tries to contain it.
It was exciting to hear Maitar my friend since the age of four, who traveld
with me all the way from Modi'in and always excited to take part in these events
and see how well it's done, all the presents and how much love there is between
the people.
Dancing
Purim dances
Then, we had a happy bingo game, and on each slot was accompanied by a riddle. Everyone participated and talked about the Purim story brought to light Mordechai and Esther faithfulness to their hearts the courage and faith. Finally we danced and sang together Purim songs.
After the party we went to visit Yehudit who having a tough time coping with
cancer, radiation therapy and a recovery from surgery.
Yehudit
We brought her the packet delivery and a blessing and she excepted it very emotional.
In Modiin I passed from house to house and handed out the gift packages. with my friend Stav joined me in some visits, to whom she met in the past when she joined me.
The night before the long and exciting day I went to charming Mordecai who
is slowly recovering from pneumonia and improving day by day.
Mordichai translat Shirs words
It was a magical visit. We needed two languages to speak with his Russian nurse.
We told her about the customs and the Book of Esther and the source of the customs
of the holiday, a lot of patience court passed sentence from one language when
one speaks and one listens and Mordechai wonderful translator in between.
The next day, I started with Janet amazing new sheltered house in Modiin. We
saw her radiant and so happy about this move.
Janet with her visitors
For years I have been talking to her about it and support it and here it is. I brought her a gift to the new home and she was very excited and made for us a tour , and sat in her new home. When we parted with warm hugs, we wished her blessings, warmth and love in this house.
The next visit was with Chemda. we sat and updated on the latest events in
our life, my birthday celebration, her memories of birthdays with her Yankelle
(bless his memory).
Chemda Stav and Shir
She met Stav for the first time and was proud to tell about her grandchildren Amutat Lechaim and how much she loves them .
Then we went to Svetlana and Dmitry. They were excited that we came with customs
bringing Mishloach Manot, and especially from the greetings.
Shir Stav Svetlana and Dimitri
Svetlana read with excitement with wonderful Hebrew and asked Stav on the end
how she reads ? and the answer was : wonderful" and she shined for the
compliment.
Later I came to visit my dear Shulamit. We had an uplifting visit as ever. The
relationship we have built is really something special. We talked about life
all always about love, about faith, about music, about Judaism, about Purim,
and it was amazing. Shulamit have lovely lady wholive with her and she is very
pleased with her wishes to continue this way.
Shulamit with Shir and the lady who take care for her
Greetings to Dana
Then we made a packet and greetings to Dana her wonderful neighbor that I already knew, who visits us together with Shulamit. Dana was very excited for the package and the greetings. It was the most amazing experience.
Then I came to Grandma Sarah and Abraham. They said there was no need to bring anything and that my visit worth more than anything. We talked about Grandma Sarah's help in school. This year she accompany emotional children who need her help , and told us very excited that one of the children thanked her heartily saying that she was very helpful to him.. We also talked about life and my studies next year.
I finally got to my dear Riri, who is not feeling well again and after another
weekend in the hospital with problems of heart failure.
Riri with Shir
She was so happy that I came. She was moved to tears to our greetings and said it was worth gold. I met also her good friend who helps her and worry about her.
It was just amazing holiday filling the soul. May the joy of the holiday will
remain alive for all of us every day all year.
Shir
25 februari 2019
Kyriat Shmona
You see on the picture below Ira, Noja, Maor and Ran having great time with
Israel and Ludmila. Ran and Ira went together with Israel to help Israel with
shopping, while Noja and Maor spent quality time with Ludmila.
Ira Noja Maor and Ran with Israel and Ludmila in Kyriat Shmona
Noj and Yuval with Raya. Most of her time at home alone. She doesn't like to
go to "senior club", so a visit with the students is for her a very
meaningful time of the day. She looks forward to it every time. She always prepare
a nice table for the students. Ran and Ira with Hadasa and Arontzik in HaGoshrim
Hadasa returned home from an operation. They love the students visits!
Noj and Yuval with Raya in Kyriat Shmona
Ran and Ira with Chadasa and Arontzik in HaGoshrim
In Kfar Hanasi, Daniel and I had a chat with the students that volunteeer in Chazor and Rosh Pina. They shared their experiences with us which was very inspiring. At the end of sharing, Daniel interviewed Adi, Ron and Bar. You can watch this interview via this link https://youtu.be/vFNSBhcr6_g (English)
Like the interview with the students from Mechina of Kfar Hanasi, Daniel and
I spoke with the students of Mechina Meitsar about their experiences. They all
shared beautiful experiences with us. It is amazing to see what a great potential
these students have and how they deal with all sorts of circumstances. They
learn how to deal with these kind of situations and not to be afraid from it,
but to accept them as part of life.
All the students that I work with, are very much attached with the elderly people that they visit every week. And the opposite is also true: the elderly love them very much and wait for them every week.
At the end of sharing, Daniel interviewed Adi, Ron and Bar. You can watch
this interview via this link https://youtu.be/vFNSBhcr6_g
(English)
Shalom,
Timek
Pardes Channa
We were a considerable group . Zvia - with her group of student - came to Yeshayahu.
Ishayahu smiles along ecah visit
He smiled and declared: "This is the best moment of the day when you
come to me. Time for smiles and laughter" .... Is it necessary to ask for
more from such a visit? We always spoil Jonah with chocolates and this simple
thing makes her so happy. And hop, to Aliza who surprised us
with tasty spinage and was so happy that she can do it. Shaked came later, and
could not part from her and told her that from now on she choose her as her
grandmother. Yael and two students came to Dina and was able
to see the new oven - bought for her and allows her to cook to her family when
she feels better. Shulamit 's hand was broken,
when we met , she told us that the Social Security, refused to give her more
help for this period.
Shulamit
She is very frustrated because it's hard to function without her disabled right
hand .... Then we went to Gizela. it's always a great joy.
She really likes our visits and Yehiam's family adopted her and even this week
, came to visit her in the hospital and of course have celebrated the Sabbath
with her . Rivka: I went with three girls who communicated very open and deepened
conversation with Ruth and Michael, who received us with joy
and as always with nice refreshment treats on the table. From there, to Jonah
who really did not feel well. We talked a bit and she expressed her excitement
that we persist in coming to her and interested in her. From there we went to
Aviva and Bat El really love her.
Aviva with Batel
Zippora received our package from us, and we of course, run
to Aliza. Shaked do not give up to see her grandmother , smiles and cheerful-
whom she love.
Shaked with Eliza - her beloved one
... Shabbat Shalom,
Rivka
Zfat
Shir : Last Saturday I was in Zfat. I visited Ester with Ietamar my friend . We prepared lunch together and talked about Esther's family. She told us about her new great-granddaughter. She was interested in us as usual, and listened eagerly to our stories. After lunch I put ointment and rubed Esther's painful parts in her body since her falling - a month and a half ago. I also did nail polish for her and she kept thanking me. It excites me so that Itamar and I are so welcome in her home and how they were connected quickly. She was happy from my mom's pie and she gave us fruit salad. It was a pleasure .
Itamar returned back to the army and I went to meet Shalom. Because of the
Sabbath (and Shalom is a religious man), I could not inform him in advance about
my arrival. It was towards the end of the Sabbath and I decided to go to the
house anyway. Indeed, he was not there, I assumed he was in the synagogue. I
was'nt ready to go back home without seeing him, especially after our conversation,
which he said that is very sad after returning from France after many conflicts
which appeared in his family during his stay there. I waited for him about 45
- minutes, and finally he came and did not believe that I was actually standing
in front of him...
Shabbat with Shalom and Shir
He was so excited that tears appeared and I was also carried with it... The visit was amazing. He told me about his visit in France and he was excited to hear again about Itamar, and said that he dreams to dance on my wedding. I promised him that he would be the first to receive an invitation. As usual, he had to give me some little thing he buys like a small mirror, or a flower, and wouldn't let me go without taking , even telling him that the best gift was to see him .
The last visit was with Lillian. The visit was sad. Lillian said tearfully that she wanted to die and join her Meir instead being so lonely . She told me about her family difficulties and her loneliness during the day, which hurts her bones. I was sorry to hear that and called her daughter (she was like an aunt to me) consulting how we can help her. It was a good conversation about what can be done (Lillian asked me to do it ). I heard about her charming granddaughter, with the hope for a better term for Lillian. We hugged and kissed, and I left to my home praying for the best for her.
Yair- Rachel and Esther were at this time, and it was really significant visit.
She is not feeling well lately, and the day before she went to the doctor and
they did not know precisely what it is. When we arrived, she was very tired
and with lack of energy. She always spoils us, not willing to leave the kitchen,
but this time it was hard for her to get up off the couch. It was so quite...
but we talked with her and slowly (I did not notice until it happened), she
started to be more alive. At last, she started to move and walk around the house
like she always does (a person who can (a person who can not sit normally ...).
At the end, we had to go and she gave us a number of tropical (especially) of
food for the trip. She told us how much fun it was for that we came and how
much we did her good. We hear it every time this heartwarming tale again. Assaf
and Lior : We came to Larissa and ate her lunch and breaded cauliflower and
lemon pie for dessert . We talked about the war, she told us the story of the
war she and her husband went through . Then, we told her that our next visit
is our last time together so we determined to do something special with it.
Niv, Yoed and Youval : we came to Julie with Yuval from the Mechina. We laughed
a lot and we felt at home. We talked politics, and we moved the couch in her
Saloon - as she asked us. When we left Julie said:" I'm waiting already
for the next visit..
Shabbat Shalom to all of you!
Modiin
Shir : During the last week, I slept at Grandma's Riri who had a dreadful
period and even almost has left us. She had pneumonia and is now in recovery
and gradually improves. Her son can't drive and has four children and his wife.
Riri With us.jpg
Riri and I live close one to another and last week we had a lot of fun and quality time every night before I slept with her to make her feel safe discussing life, love, about biological grandchildren and non biological granddaughters which also sent her countless messages and love of different Mechinot where they are. And thank G-d she is improving and happy I could be there for her these days and G-d willing in the future.
Shir: today (Wednesday) I went to visit my grandma Janet. This week was Gaston
Memorial Day . I was very sad and remembered when I met him with smiles and
happy meetings. Janet is excited for the new future, and already advances in
packaging.
Janet and Shir.jpg
She will stay in Modiin. I shared with her my private life just as my Grandma. She was excited and happy for me. We talked about her children and grandchildren and about her fourth grand- granddaughter!, She told me about her son's injury when he was severely wounded in Lebanon, only 22 years old , and he lost both his two legs... I was thrilled to hear about who is now his wife and then she was his girlfriend and her love for him despite the difficulties and the challenges, and she stayed with him even when he himself asked her to leave because she doesn't need it... We had an exciting visit at Grandma's cool Jannet.
Tamar Rony and Keshet : The first time we met Lea was on Thursday. We went to a nice little house, full of pictures and memorabilia... as Museum .
We started to talk. First of all - we introduced ourselves. We spoke about our life, school, families, youth, etc. She talked about her family and about participating in projects such as theater evidence ( Youth with Shoa survivors). It turned out that we have many mutual friends, and it really excites her. She told us a lot about her childhood and immigration to Israel on 91, and about her life now. She showed us what she wrote about her brother who has died in the Holocaust. But, this is only a small part of the story. But what she just said it really affected me and she remembers it, even though, she was only 3 years old . Somehow we did not notice how the time passed by .. .
Rachel Efrat: At first we asked Svetlana how she is and her answer was that
it is difficult for them lately, and they have a lot of doctors appointments
which they need to reach .
Svetlana happy ith Rachel and Efrat
Svetlana said she must do a simple analysis to her eyes, because she don't see well but afraid to do the surgery because when her mother did the same surgery (many years ago) she did not feel well after .
We told Svetlana that we are preparing Purim in school and prepare the subject about coup and coronation. She said she read the school newspaper "Yachad " combines religious and secular, and was very enthused .
Svetlana told us that her family was secular when she was little, because it was dangerous for Jews in the Soviet Union. They were speaking Yiddish, only indoors. But her grandparents were very religious, and she said she remembers that they were traveling with them, and there house they were separating tools and all .
She showed us a flower which Dmitri brought her because she worked very hard to fix the electrical charge in the light .She thinks that girls need a family to take care and it's more important even more than the university, and it's important that they will have a real connection being able to rely on each other . She told us that at Chanuka she gave each of her grandchildren Chanuka gelt, and she is looking forward already for great-grandchildren .
Rachel told about her little brothers, and how her baby brother has started to creep. Svetlana told us about her grandson Danny, who was her birthday gift (he was born two days later). She said she had a real good relationship with him and that she can speak with him about everything. Then she told us more about Danny. He has a girlfriend with two children and he is a ballroom dancing teacher and a dancer. He was Dancing with Stars.
Shayi, Maya, Noa, Yael and Benjamin: We have audited Chemda last Friday . We did not know Benjamin (New volunteer from grade 7th), so he told us a little about himself and we made to all of us lunch .
We set at the table and prepared chips and salad and sat down to eat (of course
the food was really tasty as usual). Chemda told us about her week and she had
complications with all kinds of electricians who arrived late and so on.
Maya Yael and Chemda
After the meal Chemda took out cake, gave me and Maya greetings and small gift and flower were hunged on my head. We drank grape juice, covered with flowers on our heads.
Yesterday, Maya Shay and I, went to visit Chemda bringing flowers for her wedding anniversary to her Yankale (bless his memory). We drank tea, ate cookies and laughed a lot. We heard stories about him and told Chemda all kinds of gossip layer. We talked a little about the gay community and how people do not open their minds to new ideas. We've seen some funny videos and it was fun. She is very grateful that we came to cheer her up on this day.
Pardes Chana
Zvia : The image below is of Ishayhu when he was young
Ishayhu the young men
Ishayhu is very happy
He showed and explained Album with images. He remembered details, and it was
very interesting. Yonna was very excited for the planter and the chocolates.
Yonna walk happily with girls
The other Yonna met us with a good spirit, and showed us pictures of her youth as young and happy women. We ate cookies and listened to her stories. She talked about cardiopulmonary bypass and I tried to explain to the girls what does it means. Aliza hired nanny and feel well. She made for us couscous with her own hands. She is so happy that she is back with health. We all felt happy and relieved to see her so happy.
The joy is for all of us . Tonight , came student from Neve Michael who asked
to hear her life story. It was a thrilling encounter. Rivka: this time we had
some gifts : plants from the green house 50, and mandarin oranges which is close
to the carrots factory which give us every two weeks package with carrots. We
appreciate it very much.
The planets and the Mandrins.jpg
Thanks to all the goodwill and the contribution. We visited Ruth and Michael
who are always fluent and the conversation is around many issues.
Ruth with planter ' Michael and the girls
The girls talked about themselves and the couple talked about their past.
It was very pleasant. With Dina we found that she don't have the phone. Immediately
we reported about it - hopefully it will be fixed soon.
Dina with the girls
An old woman cannot stay without any communication . The House was upside
down and the floor... We took broom and cleaned the house a bit . It hurts to
see what it means to be poor with so many lacks - especially being helpless...
Aviva is precious and very happy to see us having our fresh company
Aviva with the girls
Shulamit fell last week and broke her arm. She is still in pains and bruises.
Her granddaughter came to take her to their home so she would be able to fight
in this state of weakness in a better conditions with the help of her family.
The last visit was at Aliza.
Shalomit with broken hand
Aliza hug them
The girls don't agree to miss her and they love her very much. We also ate Coscuse
and were happy to see her so alive and joy.
All the best
Rivka
In the North
Dear Friends,
Bracha from Hazor enjoys the visits and the weekly dialog she has with the two
students of Kfar Hanasi Mechina: Linoy and Lilach. She said: "There is
nothing above heart to heart physical connection. Nothing can replace that."
And she added, "the students belong to the very top of our Israeli society".
On this picture you see Bracha and Ruchama together with the students.
During the weekly chats, it happened that one of the students mother has a colleague in the hospital in Be'er Sheva, who is the son in law of Bracha. Husband of Bracha's daughter. They work on the very same department. This are works of G-d who connects us together. Such things we can't plan.
And this is not the first time I hear such stories from supernatural connections
with students and shoa victors. This year Marit from Kibbutz Chukuk gets visit
from Na'ama and Mika. While talking, they discovered that the parents of Mika
and also parents of Na'ama were very close friends of Marit and her husband
at the time they lived in Tel Aviv! Mika and Na'ama didn't know each other before.
WOW!
Marit from Hukuk with her new students Na'ama and Mika from Meitsar
And another supernatural connection happened few years ago when Avraham from
Ginosar was alive, that Alon - student from Mechina Meitsar was visiting him.
They discovered that Alon and the son of Avraham, knew each other! Imagine this:
Alon and Avraham's son, both lived in the USA, not in the tiny Israel!
You need to know that the students, when they chose to volunteer for Lechaim,
have no idea, who they will go to visit!
This all is G-ds Divine Provision.
Shabbat Shalom,
Timek
Zfat
Rachel Yair : we had nice visit to Esther. As usual, we arrived and there was a meal ready for us . We had lunch and we talked and saw pictures of the new amnesty. After that we played Remmy, and she told us how fun it is for her when we come. We make her feel young. She was a bit with lack of energy ( lately she is facing some medical problems, and it is quite difficult for us to see her that way). We saw at the end of the day that she was better because of our company.
Itayi : I was visiting Eli .. I really enjoyed it. Every meeting we drink tea
and eat waffles and we speak about so many issues .
Eli
It becomes our practice ..
I'm always happy to hear his humor and joy of life.
Yoed and Yniv : We were with Moses and Irene . As usual Moses and Irene spoiled us with nuts and snacks ..
Whenever we come they receive us with smiles and a lot of wormth. We talked
about trips around the world, they taught us about the state of Yugoslavia and
the wars at the 90tis.
Arna & Moshe with Yoad and Niv
In addition, we talked about our plans in the future; army, school ..
We consulted with them and they told us about their studies at the university, Architecture and engineering. Finally, they spoiled us with candies (Loacker) .
Lior and Yuni came to Larissa: It was really fun.
Larissa with Shir
She made lunch which was very tasty. We talked about her husband and she said that he was good husband and that she still miss him. She had today her birthday and the family called her to wish her. We wished her too.
Shabbat Shalom !
Januari 27, 2019, Sh'vat 23, 5779
Shalom friends!
And what are those heroic stories?
This morning came from our dear Shir, a very brave story who is entirely human
heroism while improving itself doesn't even know about it. This is a wonderful
and deep level of the commandment: "love thy neighbor as thyself".
Shir's story will appear as her note separately. Please read it and try to realize
that we as humans, have received an extraordinary gift: a small spark from G-d
Himself. See what happens when we choose this spark and stick to it! And of
course the incredible perseverance of apprenticeship in all sectors: Pardes
Channa, Zfat, Kiryat Shmona, Chatzor haglilit Modiin Rosh pinna and more. Week
after week, even when the weather is very cold and conditions are not simple.
Our heroes, arrive with a huge heart and tremendous light and soul during the
winter. Dear friends, this is the result of perseverance. Of top priority-glorifying
the human unity.
Shabbat Shalom
Daniel
Modiin
Shir : During the last week, I slept at Grandma's Riri who had a dreadful
period and even almost has left us. She had pneumonia and is now in recovery
and gradually improves. Her son can't drive and has four children and his wife.
Riri With us
Riri and I live close one to another and last week we had a lot of fun and quality time every night before I slept with her to make her feel safe discussing life, love, about biological grandchildren and non biological granddaughters which also sent her countless messages and love of different Mechinot where they are. And thank G-d she is improving and happy I could be there for her these days and G-d willing in the future.
Shir: today (Wednesday) I went to visit my grandma Janet. This week was Gaston
Memorial Day . I was very sad and remembered when I met him with smiles and
happy meetings. Janet is excited for the new future, and already advances in
packaging.
Janet and Shir
She will stay in Modiin. I shared with her my private life just as my Grandma. She was excited and happy for me. We talked about her children and grandchildren and about her fourth grand- granddaughter!, She told me about her son's injury when he was severely wounded in Lebanon, only 22 years old , and he lost both his two legs... I was thrilled to hear about who is now his wife and then she was his girlfriend and her love for him despite the difficulties and the challenges, and she stayed with him even when he himself asked her to leave because she doesn't need it... We had an exciting visit at Grandma's cool Jannet.
Tamar Rony and Keshet : The first time we met Lea was on Thursday. We went to a nice little house, full of pictures and memorabilia... as Museum .
We started to talk. First of all - we introduced ourselves. We spoke about our life, school, families, youth, etc. She talked about her family and about participating in projects such as theater evidence ( Youth with Shoa survivors). It turned out that we have many mutual friends, and it really excites her. She told us a lot about her childhood and immigration to Israel on 91, and about her life now. She showed us what she wrote about her brother who has died in the Holocaust. But, this is only a small part of the story. But what she just said it really affected me and she remembers it, even though, she was only 3 years old . Somehow we did not notice how the time passed by .. .
Rachel Efrat: At first we asked Svetlana how she is and her answer was that
it is difficult for them lately, and they have a lot of doctors appointments
which they need to reach .
Svetlana happy ith Rachel and Efrat
Svetlana said she must do a simple analysis to her eyes, because she don't see well but afraid to do the surgery because when her mother did the same surgery (many years ago) she did not feel well after .
We told Svetlana that we are preparing Purim in school and prepare the subject about coup and coronation. She said she read the school newspaper "Yachad " combines religious and secular, and was very enthused .
Svetlana told us that her family was secular when she was little, because it was dangerous for Jews in the Soviet Union. They were speaking Yiddish, only indoors. But her grandparents were very religious, and she said she remembers that they were traveling with them, and there house they were separating tools and all .
She showed us a flower which Dmitri brought her because she worked very hard to fix the electrical charge in the light .She thinks that girls need a family to take care and it's more important even more than the university, and it's important that they will have a real connection being able to rely on each other . She told us that at Chanuka she gave each of her grandchildren Chanuka gelt, and she is looking forward already for great-grandchildren .
Rachel told about her little brothers, and how her baby brother has started to creep. Svetlana told us about her grandson Danny, who was her birthday gift (he was born two days later). She said she had a real good relationship with him and that she can speak with him about everything. Then she told us more about Danny. He has a girlfriend with two children and he is a ballroom dancing teacher and a dancer. He was Dancing with Stars.
Shayi, Maya, Noa, Yael and Benjamin: We have audited Chemda last Friday .
We set at the table and prepared chips and salad and sat down to eat (of course
the food was really tasty as usual). Chemda told us about her week and she had
complications with all kinds of electricians who arrived late and so on.
Maya Yael and Chemda
After the meal Chemda took out cake, gave me and Maya greetings and small gift and flower were hunged on my head. We drank grape juice, covered with flowers on our heads.
Yesterday, Maya Shay and I, went to visit Chemda bringing flowers for her wedding anniversary to her Yankale (bless his memory). We drank tea, ate cookies and laughed a lot. We heard stories about him and told Chemda all kinds of gossip layer. We've seen some funny videos and it was fun. She is very grateful that we came to cheer her up on this day.
Pardes Chana
Zvia : The image below is of Ishayhu when he was young.
Ishayhu the young men
Ishayhu happy
He showed and explained Album with images. He remembered details, and it was
very interesting. Yonna was very excited for the planter and the chocolates.
Yonna walk happily with girls
The other Yonna met us with a good spirit, and showed us pictures of her youth as young and happy women. We ate cookies and listened to her stories. She talked about cardiopulmonary bypass and I tried to explain to the girls what does it means. Aliza hired nanny and feel well. She made for us couscous with her own hands. She is so happy that she is back with health. We all felt happy and relieved to see her so happy.
Yechiam: with Gizela, on Friday we accepted the Sabbath together
Yeciham's family with Gizela
The joy is for all of us . Tonight , came student from Neve Michael who asked to hear her life story. It was a thrilling encounter. Rivka: this time we had some gifts : plants from the green house 50, and mandarin oranges which is close to the carrots factory which give us every two weeks package with carrots. We appreciate it very much.
The plants and the Mandrins
Thanks to all the goodwill and the contribution. We visited Ruth and Michael
who are always fluent and the conversation is around many issues.
Ruth with planter ' Michael and the girls
The girls talked about themselves and the couple talked about their past.
It was very pleasant. With Dina we found that she don't have the phone. Immediately
we reported about it - hopefully it will be fixed soon.
Dina with the girls
An old woman cannot stay without any communication . The House was upside
down and the floor... We took broom and cleaned the house a bit . It hurts to
see what it means to be poor with so many lacks - especially being helpless...
Aviva is precious and very happy to see us having our fresh company.
Aviva with the girls
Shulamit fell last week and broke her arm. She is still in pains and bruises.
Her granddaughter came to take her to their home so she would be able to fight
in this state of weakness in a better conditions with the help of her family.
The last visit was at Aliza.
Shalomit with broken hand
Aliza hug them
The girls don't agree to miss her and they love her very much. We also ate
Coscuse and were happy to see her so alive and joy.
All the best,
Rivka |
In the North
Dear Friends,
Bracha from Hazor enjoys the visits and the weekly dialog she has with the two
students of Kfar Hanasi Mechina: Linoy and Lilach. She said: "There is
nothing above heart to heart physical connection. Nothing can replace that."
And she added, "the students belong to the very top of our Israeli society".
On this picture you see Bracha and Ruchama together with students.
During the weekly chats, it happened that one of the students mother has a colleague in the hospital in Be'er Sheva, who is the son in law of Bracha. Husband of Bracha's daughter. They work on the very same department. This are works of G-d who connects us together. Such things we can't plan.
And this is not the first time I hear such stories from supernatural connections
with students and shoa victors. This year Marit from Kibbutz Chukuk gets visit
from Na'ama and Mika. While talking, they discovered that the parents of Mika
and also parents of Na'ama were very close friends of Marit and her husband
at the time they lived in Tel Aviv! Mika and Na'ama didn't know each other before.
WOW!
On this picture you see Na'ama Marit and Mika
And another supernatural connection happened few years ago when Avraham from
Ginosar was alive, that Alon - student from Mechina Meitsar was visiting him.
They discovered that Alon and the son of Avraham, knew each other! Imagine this:
Alon and Avraham's son, both lived in the USA, not in the tiny Israel!
You need to know that the students, when they chose to volunteer for Lechaim,
have no idea, who they will go to visit! This all is
G-ds Divine Provision.
Shabbat Shalom,
Timek
Zfat
Rachel Yair : we had nice visit to Esther . As usual, we arrived and there was a meal ready for us . We had lunch and we talked and saw pictures of the new amnesty. After that we played Remmy, and she told us how fun it is for her when we come. We make her feel young. She was a bit with lack of energy ( lately she is facing some medical problems, and it is quite difficult for us to see her that way). We saw at the end of the day that she was better because of our company.
Itayi : I was visiting Eli .. I really enjoyed it. Every meeting we drink tea
and eat waffles and we speak about so many issues .
Eli
It becomes our practice ..
I'm always happy to hear his humor and joy of life.
Yoed and Yniv : We were with Moses and Irene . As usual Moses and Irene spoiled us with nuts and snacks ..
Whenever we come they receive us with smiles and a lot of wormth. We talked
about trips around the world, they taught us about the state of Yugoslavia and
the wars at the 90tis.
Arna & Moshe with Yoad and Niv
In addition, we talked about our plans in the future; army, school ..
We consulted with them and they told us about their studies at the university, Architecture and engineering. Finally, they spoiled us with candies (Loacker) .
Lior and Yuni came to Larissa: It was really fun.
Larissa with Shir
She made lunch which was very tasty. We talked about her husband and she said
that he was good husband and that she still miss him. She had today her birthday
and the family called her to wish her. We wished her too.
Shabbat Shalom !
Januari 11, 2019, Sh'vat 5, 5779
Dear friends!
With these words I will try to describe the hours of a very cold winter night
in Neve Michael with our precious winners who came (most of them) as a results
of a wonderful cooperation between Rivka - our representative , Yeal and Assaf
our volunteers, the school administrators Ychiam the maneger of the boarding
school , Zvia the wonder "Mother of the house ", and as a result of
this cooperation, here is my story: This year, winter is wonderful but also
very very cold and this is the place to explain a bit what is an Israeli winter:
the cold Israeli whether is as in the desert, which is accompanied by very powerful
eastern winds and mostly old people and people in General - suffer from it.
Getting plants from the greenhouse.
Keep in mind that public buildings are not constructed for this kind of winter
and the cold penetrates into homes, and that's what lifts my further appreciation,
that even in their age 80 and more, (Gisela is 92 years old) they got out happily
from their homes for an uplifting activity with heart-to-heart communication.
But most moved me is the real incredible family connection among the participants,
winners and students. And here, it must be said: All is possible because of
the generous cooperation between
professionals in the magnificent Neve Michael : the village administrators and
us the representatives of "Lechaim".
Lechaim Family (Pardes Channa)
And finally at the end of this incredible activity: sitting together, drinking warm and delicious soup, prepared with love by Zvia, and the pleasure of this good tast you can see on the people face . This is the result of a continuous activity....
Well done ! My warm regards -
Daniel
Celebrating Too Bishvat in Pardes Channa
At the beginning of this afternoon of celebration, on our way to the greenhouse
of Kibbutz Ein Shemer, smiled at us a wonderful bow in the sky between the raindrops
and the sunlight.
The rainbow escorting us.
When we reached the greenhouse, we were accepted warmly by Noam who hosted
us and Channa who made sure that we will be welcomed as best with warm nice
hot cup of tea and biscuits, and then we were sitting in the middle of a spectacular
view of agriculture experiments based on what the nature gives
Noam speaking and read.
Noam told and showed us, the wonders of the deep research as our slogan "You and seaweed will change the world accelerating change..." This greenhouse is an Israeli proud point. Those discoveries can make better our world and our health. With this enormous impression and pride to this remarkable project we went out with a pottery of lettuce as a souvenir. From there we came to Neve Michael and planted flowers instead of the treee , in some other corner of the common, because renovating that part of the garden.
Zvia, Aliza, Daniel Assaf Yael and the students are planting the plants.
It's hard to describe the joy to see Aliza joining us after so long of being very sick. Happy, strong, lively and even helped in planting. Shulamit, Daniel, Aviva and students planted the flowers under Zvia's command. And here, after the rain was waiting patiently for us to get under a safe place, we had to leave the place of planting because of the havier drops of rain.
Strolling to the club in N.Michael, after planting.
We walked into the Club and there was a pot of hot soup that was very good for
the start . We were blessed by Yechiam, Daniel, and David the principle of Neve
Michael, and I was reading about the sentence: "and the man - as a tree
in the field ". Morgan played for us songs and we finished taking Photo
as a family , and our brave winners who wasn't afraid from the weather, were
getting a plate of dry fruits according to the custom. Then, after hugging and
kissing we went away. What a holiday! We loved it.
Morgan plays on the Saxophon
Januari 3, 2019, Tevet 26, 5779
Zfat
Yair Rachel: We had a really nice visit at Zipporah. She was
cynical and funny as usual with her black jokes. We are already used to it,
but know her good enough when to take things more serious. For example, she
told us that she was angry with her new therapist when she arrived to pick her
up out of the club, she waited outside needing help in order to get down the
stairs, and the nurse did not arrive and she fell when trying to do it all by
herself. We tried to tell her that she should talk to the nurse and be clear
about her needs and what is her job. Zipporah said she was afraid to go outside.
We think of solutions to help her with it. We played rummy and she showed us
her plants she raise all by herself, on her balcony.
Rachel, Yair and Zipphora
Adi and Yuval: Diamanta immediately took us into the kitchen
with joy and gave us food that she cooked. She asked me to release mill iron
which were stuck and I did it - solving the problem.
Diamanta
Then we heard about the last two weeks of her husband who experienced healthproblems and needed to go to the hospital and she needed to know how to deal with it... We spoke also about the cold weather, and how she must deal with it. We played cards and made tea with cookies and talked about the coming date of her birthday. It was fun and a lot of laughter until we had to go . It seems to us that two weeks is too long for another visit.....
Yoed and Niv : Today we came to Moshe and Arna. We continued
the previous conversation about their work and their education, history, science
and other areas of interest. Archimedes, Hannibal, talking about the Roman Empire
and then moved to the development of physics and mathematics.
Arna & Moshe with Yoad and Niv
We got a lot of complex formulas and we were amazed of Moses mathematical abilities at that age with his extreme memory, without using it too much at his lifetime now. Before we went away, Arena and Moses expressed their great love and brought us a high quality chocolates, potato chips and nuts- as a real grandparents...
Modiin
Shir : This week I met students from my old high school "Yachad",
to recruit more volunteers for the current year hoping that they will continue
with us next year.
The students listened curiously and quietly and were very interested. It's exciting
to see how they are happy to hear about the good things and there are those
who know how to work this out and want join and be part of it.
Saturday night I with two high school graduates volunteer which are in the
army right now, to visit Grandma and Grandpa Svetlana &
Dimitri. It is always exciting for me the ones who completed
the project and keep in touch with the winners. This is a proof that there is
something beyond the commitment between the students and the winners. The visit
was full of laughter and tips for life. It was an emotional visit and very cordial.
I wish for many more visits with future graduates.
With Svetlana and Dimitri
Pardes Channa
Yael and Assaf with two students: We started with Dina and she told us about her family who came from Morocco.
From there, we went to Gizela and we managed to be and talk
to her and it was really nice. Shulamit offered us lovely food
and we had a nice chat. For Assaf it was new experience and he was very impressed
with the attitude among adults and young people, and expressed his admiration
of the idea of "L'Chaim" . Zivia was with two girls and they came
to Yeshayahu, which was in bed, but alert and talked to us
and thanked us for our visit.
Jonah has a regular cycle which begins in her little garden
with a beautiful plants and from there to her room where she shows her pictures
when she was a nurse and tells about her daughter who visits her regularly.
Yonna
Aliza - finally spoke to us as it is after catheterization and heart
valve that will help her heart to work better. She was very excited of our visit,
and she feels much better .
Rivka: I was with two precious ladies and we started with Ruth and Michael
who welcomed us lovely and always interesting to talk to them about everything.
From there we came to Jonah and we met her nephew, a former school principal
mission was even at the days of the Shah of Iran.
From there we moved to Aviva that sampling build her reading
skills at the age of 80 when she started to learn to read and write ... it was
amazing! In short - it is never too late to make a new beginning.
Aviva
Next week we'll celebrate Too Bishvat.
Rivka
News from the north
Dear friends,
Thank you for your warm support that makes the work of Lechaim possible. Yesterday, on the last day of 2018, the students had their weekly visits to the winners with a great joy and enthusiasm in all the places in the north of Israel: Kyriat Shmona, Chazor, Rosh Pina, Katzrin, Ginosar and Hukuk.
Jossi and Marit from Chukuk were spoiled by the students with warmth and love, also Jafim in Katzrin who enjoyed the students and they offered him to help on cleaning his tiny apartment and ofcourse they wished each other good wishes for the new year 2019.
On the picture below, you see students together with Bracha and Ruchama
from Chazor. In Rosh Pina, Rachel and Channa opened their homes
to our students from Kfar Hanasi who spoiled them with love and attention.
Bracha and Ruchama with us
Channa's roof has been renewed and she enjoyed the heavy rains of the last week in her warm and dry home.
EliRam, Batya, Israel, Klara, Rina and Bracha send you all
warm regards for happy and prosperous 2019.
Blessings,
Timek
December 18, 2018, Tevet 10, 5779
Visiting Modiin
Shir : Last week I visited Janet and celebrated her birthday together. Keep
up after a long time we have not met for the psychometric exams I had. It was
so fun to talk to her about everything as always and hear in detail about how
she was feeling.
Janet
The visit was very happy and she was excited by the gift and the balloon I brought her blessing. She celebrated her 78th birthday.
Noa Maya - We came to Chemda . We talked a bit about the passed week (it was
Monday) and we started to prepare food .
Chemda Noa and Maya
We prepared fried eggplant together , warmed yogurt and prepared to eat with pancakes. The food was excellent, lit candles and sang. We prepared tea and heard about her "little" sister. Reluctantly she showed us a portrait photo taken of her - few months ago, one that represented her personality perfectly.
Zfat
Shir : Today, Monday, I had enjoyable visits in Zfat. I brought to my dear Ester a nice soup bowls for the cold winter and she was very happy. We ate breakfast together and talked about the test I had. Then we drove along to have some errands .
After Esther I went to visit the Yehudit who was in the hospital (Ziv). She
underwent surgery, and now recovering slowly.
Juli and Yhudit with Shir
I was sad to see her sore but I was glad I was there with her and the joy of it. I brought her tea and cake and she was thrilled and thanked me. We talked about and things that makes life worth living. We thanked the Creator that she has passed everything even through a difficult operation that lasted several hours. We said goodbye hugs and kisses and best wishes and a shared optimism.
Adi, Yuval and Yair - We came the three of us. Adi and Yuval joined Esther and talked with her . I washed the dishes at the same time. Then , Esther told her story, about the transition between the communities and the Nazis who gave her and her family to go on and run away. This was a significant day. She really opened up to us and I felt there was an higher step of our contact .
Yoed and Yaniv: We came to Moses and Arena and talked about their professions.
We were surprised to find that he was an engineer and she was an Architect.
We talked about trade, about from where they came from, and other subjects.
It was very interesting and nice to sit with them. Another step of knowing better
each other.
Arna & Moshe with Yoad and Niv
Eitai and Lior: We met Eli . He entertained us nicely and spoke about the war
and the period of immigrating to Israel. In addition, he told us about his library
and impressed us greatly.
Itay and Doron with Eli
Pardes Chana
Tonight, Hila, who is doing her national service at Neve Michael, replaced
Zvia , who felt sick and couldn't attend. Hila Cohen: We came to Isaiahu, but
he didn't recognize us even telling him that we are from Neve Michael. He was
also connected to a lot of tubes and we didn't dare being with him too long.
Visiting Yonna
Yonna with the girls
Inside the house
The girls joined Yonna in her little garden.
Aliza was really happy. She talked and shard a lot. Before leaving her home,
she asked Mayan when she is going home? Maayan answerd that she remains finally
in N. Michael. Aliza offered her that she will talk to her mother and she explained
to Maayan the importance of relationship with her mother.
Aliza happy to have them
Rivka: I went this time with a young woman - Yael, who was three years ago
student in Kfar Hanasie and took part in our project - to Ruth and Michael.
She decided to continue volunteering in our framework here close to her home-place.
You can listen to our conversation in the link. We really proud for her return.
Ruth and Michael
Aviva with Yael
Dina, Aviva and Zippora : We visited Shulamit and experienced how Shulamit teaches
her granddaughter to make a food called mborek. It is kind of borecas with meat
and of course on our behalf we tasted it and learned something new about tunisai
food. Finished with Gizela.
Yael, Talor and Gizella
Sincerely,
Rivka
News from the North
Shalom Friends!
While I am in Holland, the visits of the students goes on as usual. Yossi with
the students celebrating the last day of Chanuka. For Yossi this is very special,
because for many years he didn't lit Channuka candles . I brought him this Chanukia,
so he could celebrate the festival of freedom and light with the students.
Yossi is happy
Rina, playing Rumicub with the students
Eliram has celebrated his birthday with the students. The students surprised
Eliram with presents and balloons.We add our greetings to him for a good long
life.
Happy birthday Eliram
Here follow other words from the students:
Ravit, Adi, Lilach, Hadar : We had a very interesting meetings with: Yaffa
and Mosshe, Ruchama, and Yaffim.
Daniel speak with two students from Mechina Baraam
https://youtu.be/vhfnWiLd7G8
Interview from Rivka with Yael
Rivka : What brought you to L'Chaim three years ago?
Yael : The Mechina was at the beginning but because I had grand ma and good
connection with her and other old people . Their life stories always were interesting
to me.
Rivka : What is this connection do to you as young to the old ones ?
Yael : I had a grandma whom I loved very much and was very close to her. When
she passed away I missed this kind of contact. In the project I had a very close
relations with Rachel from Rosh Pina. With this women I felt again that I have
another Savta whom I can speak about life, about us, and even about our nails...
I understood that I can have another Savta - the one I choose and injoy it.
It opens my heart.
Rivka : How it made you understand your connection with your country ?
Yael : I understand much more why this country was built as it is now , their
behavior and our as the results of what they brought and it turned to be as
their heritage to us.
Rivka : What brought you back to the Amuta after three years of being in the
army and more?
Yael : When I was little I was amazed how it is that I have grandma and other
kids doesn't ...I realized that I am part of something bigger then I know. I
realized that many people connected to our story of life and these people deserve
to be treated with all the respect as long as they are with us. Because of them
we have this country. I want to be connected because this Amuta is doing this
connection.
Shabbat Shalom to all of you!
Timek
December 5, 2018, Kislev 25, 5779
Dear Friends!
This week we had a wonderful experience that increased the light of Chanukah.
I participate in two events: Neve Michael (Pardes Channa) and Kiryat Shmona.
On both cases, I saw relationship between young and adults a great trust between
them, respect and affection.
Chanukah in Kyriat Shmona
For me Chanukah- as any other holidays , is a break from the everyday life.
Holiday with quality is accordance to the ordinary everyday nature, as a life
of purpose, as far as priorities are more in altruistic direction with heart
to heart connection. Thus, both the inner light of our growing and when it comes
to holiday to lit the candles, it is no longer a technical matter or commandment,
but there is a real feeling that connects us to the essence of the holiday,
the soul of the festival.
David the maneger of Neve Michael
Klara and Rina
Ram and Amit with Steve
So we can summarize: the world of beautiful and graceful were created by G-d,
With wonderful breath taking views. And what role takes the man? To create beautiful
views in the field of our humanity - that is, to elevate greatly the landscape
magical and wonderful that there is truly in our souls that we put at the top
of a ladder of our priorities then the world will be more complete. When a person
understands the glory which were made possible through the greatest commandment
of all "love your neighbor as yourself "!!! happy festival of Lights.
Daniel
Pardes Channa
We had a real celebration. We were invited to Neve Michael to celebrate Chanukkah
. We were welcomed respectfully with hugging and kissing. the club was decorated.
Apparently, we join a volunteer activity which was given by four: two parents
and a young couple which the wife have a muscular dystrophy disease. Yet , they
volunteer once a week at Neve Michael and teach crafts. It was time to give
each participant to paint a menorah all by themselves.
Shulamit and Hodayia work together
Zvia watching Dina on her work on the Chanukia.jpg
The mother and son were guiding the craft , the father played Chanukah songs
on accordeon, and special player on Saxophone .
Gizela Zippora and Aviva working to paint the Chanukia.jpg
Working on the Chanukia.jpg
The first candle was lighted by Amichai with Aviva the 86-year-old
guest and a student who love her. Then Daniel graced us with his presence by
greeting and thanked for the cooperative activities for the youth and adults.
David the manager of the Institute came to congratulate.
Chanukah
At the end of the event, the students who participate in the project were
getting a little gift from us for the goodwill, and the adults also were getting
a gift for the holiday. Here are the photos talking for themselves. Another
peak was when we arrived to Aliza-who felt not very well. We came with menorah,
and a gift of love from Maayan who feel that Aliza is like her grandmother.
Both of them lit the candles and we did the ceremony and Aliza turned to be
happier .We were very happy to change her moral.... Happy holiday !
Rivka.
The party : https://youtu.be/m3PNNc_RUKs
Lightening with Aliza the first candle of Chanuka : https://youtu.be/sKf-WLuggK0
Zfat
Yoed and Niv : We came to Julie and brought her gifts and
she was very happy to receive them (asked us to take it back because she thought
we paid for that). This time we felt very comfortable and the conversation flowed.
We eat fruits and talked. Lior and Assaf: We came to Larissa
and made with her donuts for the holiday and we talked to her about her son
who is come for a visit from the United States.
Larissa and Lior making Sufganiot
We went also to Lillian. we saw with her a movie she loves
- a Turkish film, We did not lit candles because she lit with her son . Rachel
Yair has visit Esther and it was really fun again. We saw the
whole family and we played a bit with her great-granddaughter, Adele. She had
a bad day with little things, and it was important for us to be there making
her spirit happier. We went to a Zippora, She cried and told
us a really tough things about her family, and it was very meaningful to be
there for her. Lit candles and placed her songs, and I think it really did her
good .
Zippora and Yair lightning the first candle
Adi and Yuval: We arrived Diamanta and Chanan
Diamenta and Adi
They welcomed us nicely and gave us to refreshment. We asked Diamanta
when she met Chanan her husband. She told us that she knew him on the way on
the transit camp in Tunisia to Israel at 1954 when he was 18 and she 16. Since
then they are together and the state brought them to Zfat and since then they
live there. We talked with them about Chanukah and her family and where she
lit candles. We brought her a gift for the holiday and we congratulated her
for happy holiday and good week. We helped her to fix fallen glass door to the
cabinet and she was very happy. We played rummy and laughed together.
Itai : This time I met Shalom and Eli. It was really good.
I was initially with Eli. We had a fascinating conversation from Freud to Bibi
(Netanayhu). It was the richest conversation that I had this week. We drank
tea and ate cookies, humor surprises me every time, and also he does everything
all by himself. A real model !
Itai and Shalom
Eli
The second meeting was with Shalom. We talked and had a great time Shalom was very excited for the gift we brought to him. He was with tears and expressed how much he like our company. He have a very optimistic approach to a company and it's good even the difficulties he experiences. I really enjoyed both of them. It was really fun !!
News from the North
Chanukah Celebration in Kyriat Shmona:
Yesterday we experienced a great celebration of Chanukah in Kyriat Shmona.
Students with Ludmila and the lady that played keyboard
The winners from Kyriat Shmona and Neot-Mordechai gathered for this festival
of light and hope. Daniel spoke few words about Chanukah , and thanked the team
of volunteers and also the winners, and special blessings to Klara who coordinate
this project in Kyriat Shmona and to Timek who brings the winners and students
together by the minibus and who prepares the weekly visits.
Klara and Rina
Ram and Amit with Steve
Many thanks to the students who have participate with love and enthusiasm in our "L'Chaim" program.
Yuval spoke an encouraging words to the winners and the students. We sang Chanukah songs, danced and played Chanukah bingo to train our Tanach and Hebrew knowledge. The table was well prepared and we all experienced a great amount of love and joy together that evening.
Also in Chatzor the students went to the homes and lit candles with the winners.
Yuval with Israel
Here follow some of the pictures and video's.
Chag Chanukah Sameach,
Timek
Yuval from Mechina Ma'ayan Baruch speaks to the Shoa Winners words of encouragement during the Chanukah party in Kyriat Shmona. https://youtu.be/hO_-5GGSkO0
Lighting the Chanukah lights Noja with Klara candle the lights during our Chanukah celebration
Words of Encouragement. Daniel Braun speaks words of encouragement to the donors of the Lechaim-to-life project during the Chanukah party with the Shoa Winners of Kyriat Shmona and kibbutz Neot-Mordechai.
https://youtu.be/rRWW783P0VE
Shabbat Shalom and Happy Chanuka .
https://youtu.be/vhfnWiLd7G8
Daniel Braun
E-mail: danielxrw@gmail.com
Phone: + 972 54 772 3510
Welcome to our website at: lechaim2life.org.il
November 29, 2018, Kislev 21, 5779
Visiting in Timrat
I'm a ulpana student from Migdal Haemek. Won for the third time to visit Tamar Bar-Levav . Whenever we come she receives us with a worm welcome. She tells an exciting stories of her life during the Holocaust and the life of her family. Tamar - despite her advanced age , radiates joy to those around her and we are very happy to see her and are looking forward to the next visit.
Zfat
Lior and Assaf came the first time to Larissa. She made us
a tour in her garden and showed us all the plants she planted alone .
Then we had a conversation with her about our family and her past, she told
us about her immigration to Israel .
Larissa Assaf and Lior
Adi and Yuval: We came to Diamante. She prepared to us couscous
and we ate and played Rummikub for several hours which is really funny, and
we really enjoy it.
Yoad,Niv and Eyal: we came to Julie and felt very comfortable.
We prepared tea and ate fruits and some sweets. We talked about Julie's past,
a little politics, and she showed us a picture of her new grand grandchild .
The physiotherapist came in the middle and talked with us about current events.
Rachel and Yair - for the second time with Zipporah, the meeting
was less heavy. We talked about her daughter, and she told us about going with
her daughter to the Dead Sea. She was now better emotionally, and that made
us really happy. Then we ate pasta and talked about politics, she explained
why she voted for Likud, and it really opened our eyes .
Rachel and Yair with Zippora from Zfat
Yoed Niv and Asaf : our meeting with Eli was different and
unique. He showed his house to our friends. Each time, when we come, he is with
a big smile. He have a crazy sense of humor and for his age is very funny. We
discuss during our visits about all kinds of fascinating subjects like Baruch
Shpinoza and about Jewish philosophy. Eli told about his past and his children
it was very enjoyable. Always fun to see Eli.
Itay and Doron with Eli
Adi and Yuval : Y'hudit told us that she had catheterization a week ago , and next week she is going to have her birthday. We will celebrate with her on our next visit. We ate fruits and drank tea and of course how could we (?) without Remy?
Rachel and Yair: enjoyed with Esther falafel and it was incredible.
We really feel as her grandchildren, and she's as our grandmother. We've been
talking about what we did in the prep-school and what she did in her work, all
of this while preparing. At the end- her family arrived and we met them- which
was very nice.
Ester
Modiin
Shir : Last Saturday I first visited the Holocaust winners from Modiin together with my boyfriend. We started with Sarah & Avraham. They were very happy to meet him. We had a nice introductory conversation and grandmother Sarah shared with us this year in which they has volunteered in both schools and students in emotional needs.
She said that they feel tired and are not sure if they will continue next year. Abraham says he thinks she should continue because it gives her the strength and support her very much.
The additional visit was at Shulamit. I told him in advance about Shulamit and the difficult period she has passed. I was glad to see her with a new haircut because I know how good it makes her to feel. We had a nice chat and introduction and Shulamit was very excited to meet him. She shared many nostalgically referred Chanan and shared with us her experiences with him. She told us how difficult it is to continue to live without the person who was the love of your life. I tried to reassure her by saying that at least she won a special love which were lasted for so many years and many of us do not get. She said it was true. We said goodbye with hugs and promised to come back to visit.
Noa and Shay: We went to visit Chemda after school today.
Noa and Shay with Chemda
(Friday) Because of the rains- we closed the windows and sat down at the table and Chemda explained that she had a pretty tough week, with flooding water in the house, and a milk burns, allergies and more ... She accused the star cursed retro ......She set the table in advance and made us pancakes eggs, ate it and coleslaw and olives and was quite tasty . We sat and talked a little about school and preparing and years of service and several alerts Watts-ups are annoying and sometimes burdensome. We continued to talk and laugh and finally drank tea and ate cookies.
Pardes Channa
Zvia with a group of girls did the visits equipped with warm blankets and a
pack of fruits and vegetables for the benefit of those who have our visit.
Ishayahu smile and happy
Shulamit with the girls
Yechiam and his family received Sabbath with Gizela. She spoke
about the reason of the pains in her legs and it's because she was forced to
wade through the snow when she was 15 years old barefoot. It pays off all of
her life with pains and suffering. Aviva gave me the book written about her
life story. In there, a description how they reached Yemen Aden as a villages
people who had to march through the desert in extreme weather. They were making
their way at night not to meet the highways robbers and to take advantage of
the cool air at night. Aviva was the only daughter of her mother
who shared with another woman the marriage of her father. And more will be told
later.
Rivka
Gizela with the cover on her head
Blessing and lightening the Shabbat candels
News from the North
Rosh Pina:
This week will be 30 days for the date Israel has passed away. This Thursday will be held a special memorial service in the local synagogue in Rosh Pina and a day later - the stone will be put on his grave. I miss Israel so much.
Channa enjoy so much the visits of the students. Adi report : We took Channa out for a walk. It was the first time that she walked after she got a heart attack (in the summer). She enjoyed it so much. She introduced us to her neighbors, and her friends from the street. It was exciting. Channa told us how much she appreciate us. We had such a good time with her.
Katzrin :
Hadar and Omer have visited Ela together with me while other
students went to Jafim. Ela and the girls spoke a lot together,
about family and life.
Ela with Hadar and Omer
Ela moved from Petach TIkva to Katzrin with her husband after the "Yom Kippur" war in 1973. Her husband was a tank commander at the time when the IDF fought the war. For several month Ela's husband served his military duty in Qunetra, in Syria. He wanted to move to the Golan Heights to the new city of Katzrin that was planned to be developed, and they did. Now after forty years, many things have changed.
Jafim enjoys the students very much. They play together chess and listening to music. The students love Jafim very much and they would like to take him to a concert in Tel Aviv, but it is far away. They try to help Jafim with cleaning his house. I hope that he will let them do it.
Chukuk:
Marit and Jossi enjoy the visits of the students so much.
I went with the students to Jossi's house and we had a great time. His family,
the people in the Kibbutz are amazed what a positive impact the visits have
on Jossi. The ones who know Jossi, knew that Jossi hardly say a word. I also
was worried about the visits. But everything have changed when the students
visited Jossi for the first time. Jossi was waiting for them for a long time
and he waited patiently. Now Jossi speaks a lot, he is funny and makes jokes,
and the students love him! They take him out to the garden, what he never does
when he is alone.
Jossi with Ieti
Ieti, Shachar and Adva caused this miracle! Jossi tells beautiful stories about his life in Argentina, how he married and made Aliya to Israel all alone. His parents didn't come with him. Jossi dreamed and succeeded. Now he is alone, but the students makes a beautiful change in his soul and life.
Shabbat Shalom and Happy Chanuka .
Daniel Braun
E-mail: danielxrw@gmail.com
Phone: + 972 54 772 3510
Welcome to our website at: lechaim2life.org.il
P.s. Another letter of thanks from the last vacated Shderot group:
Dear Shuki and Daniel,
There are no words to describe our appreciation and thanks to you. You gave
us the privilege to feel free out of the complicated reality which we are in
for a long time. We could sleep peacefully without interruption and released
our children to play freely with a smile on their face without any worries.
God bless both of you , and we send to your wife (Shuki) a complete medical
healing, giving you strength to continue and fulfill many mitzvah. Thanks a
lot! The Trabelsi, Dadon, Boochboot, Nuriel , Benisho and Avitan family .
https://youtu.be/J2QPtFruBAI
November 18, 2018
Dear friends!
There are no words to describe the excitement we experienced- all of us with
precious families from Shderot in this wonderful event.
The whole group from Shderot
Only when you see them in your own eyes: the sweet eyes of the innocent children's,
and tired eyes of their mothers with a lack of sleep. it's the only way to understand
more deeply the necessity of giving to them fresh air, warmth, love and understanding,
not only that we are with them but they are - us as well !
Happy childeren
And what a difference when you see them night after, with sparkling eyes and
shine and a body which is lost it's tension. No words can describe. Thanks to
the friends who let us do it, and it's a wonderful reminder for Hanukkah: we
seek to include other groups.
Bless all.
Daniel
The letter from the vacationers :
To Amutat Lechaim ,
Shalom dear donators ! We wish to say big Thanks for giving us the opportunity to go out and to have this vacation. We came on Thursday from Shderot to Moshave Keshet in the far Golan heights and it was worth every minute of it. After a very complicated week which we have passed in Shderot, you gave us the chance to rest.
We thank you and pray that we will have peace in our area. With respect and appreciation the Dadon Family (from Shaderot) with Michal,Neria, Malachi and Harel.
To Amutat "Lechaim" ! Dear Shuki and Daniel !
Shuki (the tall one ) speak with the pepe from Sh'derot
There are no words which can explain the joy and the security we and our children felt on the last few days.
After a long time - It's the first time we could walk freely and sleep peacefully without the fear that we are going to be attacked by missiles and being warned from other frightening situations...
We thank you deep from our hearth for you kindness and your opened hand . You
gave us joy and we wish you that the Almighty will give you back and will fill
up all your wishes.
The Avitan Family.
Attached Video :
https://youtu.be/FaRFNSz2gPQ
Daniel Braun
E-mail: danielxrw@gmail.com
Phone: + 972 54 772 3510
Welcome to our website at: lechaim2life.org.il
November 19, 2018, Kislev 11, 5779
News in the North
Dear friends,
The visits of the students are refreshing the souls of each of us who participate
in this project. Every Monday afternoon, 35 students from three different Mechina
schools, who is working with me, split in groups and go 2 by two - into the
houses in six different locations in the north of Galilee, where the Shoa winners
wait for them with excitement and with warmth to share their lives. The love,
the interest in each other and the warmth is overwhelming week after week. You
can read here about this week:
Students that volunteer in Chazor ready to start the visits
Neot : Rachel from just has celebrated her 94th birthday (one
day before we came). Here whole family: children, grandchildren and great grandchildren
gathered to celebrate with her.
Rachel from Neot shows the students the memories of her son
Steve talked with the students about his life. The students
listened with excitement. Steve is so happy that he can share his experience
of life with this new generation. Steve's optimism and enjoyment of life is
contagious.
Shalom,
Timek
Zfat
Lior Assaf: We arrived to Marcel. We talked about the weather
and the snow falling in Zfat each year. We talked about her children and grandchildren
and she showed us her pictures which she paints in a painting class. She entertained
us nicely and was very sociable .
Lior and Assaf with Marcel
Itai Doron : This is the third time we meet Eli. It feels
that each meeting with him, we learn a lot. His kindness, humor, and the optimistic
attitude towards life. We came to him and he honored us with falafel balls he
has received from the podium beneath his house.
Itay and Doron with Eli
We sat and talked about the historical and philosophical issues. Then he made
us a tour and showed us his enormous library . As always, we went home feeling
great. Rachel Yair: We visited Esther. We talked about life.
We prepared food, talked, laughed and heard some songs. It was really fun and
we feel as her grandchildren and she is as our grandmother.
Rachel and Yair with Ester
Niv Yoad and Yuval: We were with Julie. She did not answer the phone and simply we arrived and she greeted us happily. We prepared tea and talked about her family and her many years in Zfat . It was very nice and we parted with a smile meeting her physiotherapist.
Modiin
Nadav, Noa, and Shay: Last Friday, we came to visit Chemda
after school. She prepared for us the usual olive salad, the tamarisk spread
and pickles and other delicious things . We talked about pets, cats, dogs and
even fish.
Nadav, Shay, and Noa with Chemda
Chemda told us how her dad would care for the cats in the area where they lived . We talked a bit about the school and the army and the reserve track. She made us a delicious berry smoothie and told us about her highly developed sense of sight and how it was hurt after surgery . We love her.
Pardes Channa
This time Yechiam was with a quartet of lovely students and
these are his words: Today we sat with Yona and she told us
over an hour her fascinating story since coming from Yeman and her life since
coming to the state of Israel with her husband, when he was 13 and she was 12.
Yonna tell her story to Yechiam and the Students
It was to pull out evils of young girls and young boys, to preserve their purity and they were a married couple since then. They built themselves a life, slowly and modestly .
Zivia: Yeshayahu sleeps all the time and lose weight. It is
very difficult to see his condition. Jonah gets us with joy
and takes us to her regular rotation on the garden in the terrace and her room.
Yonna with the girls
It seemed, when we reached Eliza, that she look much better doing a haircut , telling us about the hospital where she had to stay lately.
On Friday Yehiam with his family came to Giszela, join with
her to light Shabbat candles and made pancakes in honor of the month of Kislev
and the coming holiday of Chanukah.
Challa's (shabbatsbread) for Gizela
Lightning Candels and pancakes for dinner
It is exciting to see them and the joy of Giszela.
Rivka: The next day I visited Dina and met her son with two
granddaughters who tried to put order in her house. She was glad I had brought
her the beg and thanked me very much and also her son. From there, I visited
Zipporah. She told me about the progress on buying a Home from
Amidar. She is accompanied by Alex Talmor - the Advocate who does it for her
on a volunteer basis .
Dear Aviva, asked from her son the book which were written
about her life. I'll read in it and will tell a little about her life. Shlomit
was in her great-grandson's wedding. I wished her good luck and hope to see
her soon. From there I got to Aliza, who expressed her joy
to see me and said how pleased she was from the meeting with the young students
and Zvia.
Aliza with the girls
Aliza told me what she's gone through the problems of her health. I admit she's a brave and despite the difficulty she speak, laugh and smile. We wish her full recovery and a better health.
Kiriat Gat - because of the crises the visits were cancelled .
Shabbat Shalom !
November 1, 2018
Kiriat Gat
The story of Zoe and Nati : We came to meet for the first time Marztel and Tamar.
He is a Holocaust survivor, who immigrated to Israel in 1991. Tamar and Martzel
live in Kiryat and we met them there. As we entered we realized that it's a
tipical Russian home with carpets and everything in order. Perplexed and curious
we entered and let things to start talking with each other. Martzel asked forgiveness
of their luck of knowing Hebrew. We should understand that the language is difficult.
A neighbor named Martel came to translate his story and explain it to us. He
said what happened to him. He has born in Moldova, and when the war with Germany
have start. The Nazis sent Jews to the ghetto in Ukraine, and they were forced
to march from Moldova to Ukraine 400 km and many people have died along the
way. He continued on in the ghetto slums and it was really hard to survive.
His family had to live in a room of 12 feet and that was crowded. Of course,
in these conditions came many health problem which couldn't be solved. After
four years, the Red Army liberated the ghetto and sent them to Russia, where
he took a degree in engineering and 3 years of working in Uzbekistan. Later
they immigrated to Israel and has lived here and still trying to adapt the very
difficult language. He said at first it was hard for him to find work because
of the language. And today he realizes how important language is to communicate
with people. They have 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren
who live in Tel Aviv, Germany, and other parts of the country. Tama and Hertzel
are alone in Kiriat Gat and the rest is pretty far away from them. At the end
of the visit we learned about Moldova and its geographical area. We are glad
that we came and waiting for the next meeting.
News from the North
The visits with the students have started with full enthusiasm as you can see in the pictures. Students from Maitzar do their visits in three places. In Katzarin: Hadar, Omer, Lotem and Tomer visit Jafim and Ela.
The visit of Jafim was fantastic. Jafim told us his touching life story. He
was born at the end of the war in Ukraina. His mother hided in Moldava while
her husband was fighting as a soldier in the red army against the Germans.
Students from Meitsar with Jafim in Katzrin
The Germans has killed many members from Jafim's family. His mother was very traumatized and has loaded him with her trauma. Jafim told us that his mother only talked with him about the horror from the Shoa. In the nineties his mother with him and his sister moved to Israel. They didn't want to go to any other country, only to the new Jewish home-land. Now-days, Jafim is living alone. His mother and sister has died, and his son is far away in Belarus. His only grandson is now 3 years old, and Jafim calls him David ha Melech (King David). Jafim weeps because he were not able to hold his little David in his hands. He only see him through the Skype, hoping that one day he will be able to see him in real.
Chukuk: Shachar, Iti and Adva visit Yossi. Naama and Mika
visited Marit. It is for both of them a great match. The students
took Yossi out of his house for a little walk.
Mika with Marit in Chukuk
Awda Iti and Shachar with Jossi in Chukuk
Yossi never goes out, because his lags are so painful. But as you can see in the picture Yossi is walking with the students and his face is shining.
Genosar: Lior and Ravit are visiting EliRam, while Afik, Amit and Nitsan visit
Batia. The joy is great.
Lior and Ravit with Eliram in Ginosar
Students from Kfar Hanasi
Rosh Pina: Mika, Dina, Adi Ziv and Or visit Channa, Israel and Rachel.
Israel is still hospitalized and his health is very critical. Since the summer his digestion is not working good enough. He is getting weaker and weaker. Please pray for his recovery. The students would love to visit him, but at this moment visiting Israel with the students are not yet possible.
Channa revives with the students visits. She is a great in communication. Channa is from Tunis and was married to her husband when she was 16 years old. At her 17th, the first child was born and other 5 children followed. Her husband has died 8 years ago. The family of her husband's family came 18th generation before to Israel from France and they lived in Zfat. Chana's grand children has counted 21st generations living in Israel.
Chana showed us the leakage after the first rainfall, all rooms in her house
were flooded with wather from the roof. She desperately needs help to fix it
and "Lechaim" is dedicated to help her.
The house of Chana needs a new roof. The water is coming down in all her rooms...
We are looking now for a constuctor that can fix her roof before new rain will
come soon.
Rachel also enjoys the visits of the students. She loves them
and hugs them when they come in and when they leave.
Chana with Adi Mika and Dina in Rosh Pina
Rachel doesn't talk much but the students follow their heart and sensitivity so they reach out Rachel. Rachel suffers now from great pains in her body. After a long period she went out.
Chazor
Adi and May visit Ruchama.
Mai and Adi with Ruchama in Chazor
Ofra and Bar visit Mina, Linoy and Lilach visit Bracha
Linoi and Lilach with Bracha in Chazor
Adi and Rom visit Yafa. To full satisfaction to all of them.
Students from Maayan Baruch visit three places:
Kiryat Shmona
The students visited Bracha, Klara, Israel and Raya.
Ram, Ira, Maor and Noja with Klara Anatoli and Mordechai and Timek in K.Shmona.
It is a great joy.
Neot Mordechai
Noj and Maor visit Rachel and Itamar and Yuval
visit Steve. . They are all excited!
In HaGoshrim Ram, Ira and Noya visit Hadasa and Arontsik.
Enjoy the pictures that speak for themselves. All the best,
Timik
Visits in Pardes Channa
Regenerating our visits which is so refreshing and delights the youngsters
and the old as well. The meeting, conversations and enjoyment of these introductions
are evident on our visits. After a long time we reached Roth and Michael who
received us warmly and told us what's new with them. On the way to Dear Jonah,
we got a closed street because it was impossible to reach but we talked on the
phone and heard how she was doing.
Dina improved in some matters and has finally a lady who takes
care of the home, clean the house , cook food and give empathy.
Aviva was very happy and we talked about safety
Dina
Zippora suffers from eye problems, and in the coming days she will pass thorough
tests to find what's wrong with her.
To Gizela arrived Zivia with students and the joy was great. Also on Friday
Yechiam came with his family to welcome Shabbat with Gizela and celebrate her
92th Birthday. Yecham family with Gizela presents for her 92 berthday.jpg Her
excitement and gratefulness are extremely from the depth of her heart.
Yonah and Yeshayahu also received a visit with great joy.
Our dear Aliza did not feel well and had to be hospitalized . We hope for her the best healing. we have two new girls Shaked and Linoie who is very excited about the visits and they don't hesitate to ask questions being truly interested with the people we meet. It's a big change and we love it .
All the best - Rivka.
Timrat
We were happy to visit the Tamar Bar-Levav, and heared the
story of her family and their immigration to Israel. It was interesting to hear
her , despite her loneliness after the death of Gad.
She continues to think only good. Tamar was very happy of our visit and hope we can continue with it.
Zfat
Assaf and Lior : Marcel seemed excited that we came.
She entertained us very well and gave us refreshments. We were a little embarrassed but slowly we opened up and she told us that she had eight children scattered all over the country and that she is constantly traveling between them and constantly busy. In addition, we talked about the life in Zfat and she told us that she also paint and showed us her beautiful paintings ... We left with good feeling that we have something to contribute, and she enjoyed with us and we feel her warmth.
Yair and Rachel met with Esther and it was really fun.
She told us a lot about herself and all kinds of various stories, and she fed
us endlessly
We left feeling really good.
Lior and Assaf - Lillian hosted us very well.
She said that she was a little sad being alone and she had to go to the clinic today because she was very stressed . We sat in the living room and talked about her family and she was very nice and it was fun to hear. It was very nice in total .
Itai and Doron : Today was our second meeting with Eli. Like last time, we sat with him and talked nonstop about many topics. His knowledge is infinite and simply fills us with inspiration. Amazing to see again and again how cheerful, smart, warm, and he love to share with us his vast knowledge and his amazing life experiences. The time passes with him very fast, and he always leave a god tast. From meeting with him we feel smarter. Expect to see him again.
Yuval and Adi : we were with Diamante
We had a lot of fun with her, she presented us to her husband, and we met her son. She told us how she had in her grandson's wedding last week. She made Shakshuka for lunch and it was delicious. We played Rummikub (almost managed to beat me). and really enjoyed the time with her.
Shabbat Shalom !
October 18, 2018
Shir : On Monday we opened with great excitement the third year of "Lechaim"
project in Zfat . The winner - despite of all the difficulties were not willing
to miss this meeting. 3 of the soldiers- who visit the Holocaust winners have
reached out the base in particular to join us. Orit and Daniel came to our celebration
and of course came the ten new volunteers from Baraam.
Zfat family - starting a new year
The excitement was great. Winners of the Holocaust were looking forward to
meet the new "grandchildren".
Juli is happy
We did a round of introduction and each one said his name, where he was in the
country and something that makes him to be happy.
Zfat - Shalom with the new students
This has restored mostly family and friends, and for the winners the visits of this young company.
Then, we divided into small groups and went on for more personal acquaintance.
The laughers and the smiles soon arrived and the joy was huge of both sides.
It's a pleasure to see how every year this magic happens again and again.
Lilian is happy
We wish for many more years of that with lots of meetings and lots of mental inventory of intimate visits and exciting texture and strong relationships.
Daniel speak with the new students : https://youtu.be/MQ8f8ouYEQA
Today I fulfilled another dream which is significant me. I set up the third
branch of the "L'Chaim" - a branch in Kiryat Gat and it will work
together with Mechina members from Kibbutz Gal-On.
The truth is that this dream comes true deep even more- one of my volunteers
will take it to the next level. So, thanks to Ariel who volunteered for two
years, when she was senior, in Modiin and has visited grandmother Riri. Together
with a lot of good will and determination from all sides, we opened today the
new branch and in the opening exciting conversation, with members of the volunteers
I was so excited to see the willingness and the desire to take part in our project
and give from the heart and truly getting to know the winners closely.
I feel like a gardener who sees the flowers have become a blossom and grown after launched for a long time. Many flowers wither way, some buds fail to grow and flourish and Ariel is the most beautiful flower that I could ask for. Thank you for the privilege to get to new places and turn in them the light of love, relationship and giving. May- in times there will be more of rare flowers like her.
Shir speak with Ariel https://youtu.be/S4k1PQC-qcA
Kiryat Gat
Ariel and Deborah
The first time we went to see Michael and Batia, with great excitement and a bit of stress... When we reached their place we're on the other side of the street and we had to cross to the other side and saw Batia stand and wait for us outside for awhile . She smiled to us happy to see us and we went together to thier home .
The conversation really flowed from the start, Batya talked about grandchildren and great grandchildren and showed us pictures .
Michael told us about his life before they came to Israel and the Holocaust, despite all the hardened he told us how important it is to be in Israel and we have no other country and no place as good as our country .
Toward the end, we did not want to go but we had no choice because we had a bus and Michael borrowed us almost to the bus stop Although we insisted not to bother, and yet he persisted and accompanied us, so that we will know exactly how to go. We're excited for that .
We left very satisfied with a huge sense of satisfaction with good connection and we will be waiting for Tuesday in two weeks to see them again !!
Pardes Channa
A week ago, on Wednesday we opened the new year meeting the students and the
ones who continue joining the project. Zvia, Yechiam, Daniel and me, while introducing
the "L'Chaim" project, by explaining how exciting to see the desire
and the enthusiasm of successors in the project and new students who knew to
ask the right questions. https://youtu.be/fHF7cYDivdI
After receiving the blessing of the way we went out. Zvia and part of the team,
went out starting with Yonah and the Ishiayho . The joy was great because we
continue the relationship and strengthens these people as ishiayho- who can't
get out of his bed anymore. Zvia : It was very exciting. Shaked and Hadassah
(the new students) asked, helped and cried when we went away. They said that
it was too short and they would like to come more often. Yonah, really fell
in love with them and didn't stop hugging and kissing them.
Yonna with the new students
It was very exciting.
I was accompanied with three girls who went to see our people living in Pardes
Channa. To meet Dina, who is always alone, and it is an important mission that
pleases her heart and the package of foodstuffs helps her to go easier through
the month.
Dina the begining of the year
Aviva too, look forward and wait for the student visits. It's a new experience for her bringing her fresh spirit and wormth
Aviva getting to know the students
From her we went to say hello to Zippora, to see how she is
doing and leave her grocery package. Gizela was very excited
to have us again and told that she was hospitalized recently and now she is
much better.
New year with Gizela
We were with her and knew that Yechiam will come to bless the Shabbat with
her. Tzvia came to Aliza and joy was much.
Aliza with the new group from Neve Michael.jpg
We are again on track- having new volunteers who understand what it can bring to them. Many thanks to our supporters who believe in our vision and make this project to be possible.
Rivka
News in the North
This week we celebrated the first visits to the winners from all over the northern part of Israel. I have introduced the fresh new students from mechina Mayan Baruch, Meitsar and Kfar Hanasi to the Shoa victors. It was a great joy to do this.
K.Shmona
Klara and her husband Mordechai and her brother Anatoli, gave
a very warm welcome to the new students from Mayan Baruch.
Ram Ira Maor and Noja with Klara Mordechai and Anatoli
Klara told her touching family escape story and showed the
book whith all the other stories of all the geto survivors from Kiryat shmona.
Bracha also welcomed the students who came into her house with joy.
Itamar Noj Amit and Yuval with Bracha in K.Shmona
The students came with an open hearts, introduced themselves and now the connection can grow along the year.
Rosh Pina
Unfortunately, Israel and Chana are still hospitalized and so we had to postpone
our visit to them.
Students from Kfar Hanasi at Rachel in Rosh Pina
Rachel was at home and gave us a warm welcome. Rachel hugged all the students from Kfar Hanasi with a great attention and love.
Chazor
Also in Chazor, the students two by two have visited Jaffa, Mina, Bracha
and Ruchama.
Lihoy and Lilach with Bracha in Hazor
May and Adi with Ruchama in Hazor
As you see, the students brought love and light into the houses of these winners.
Chukuk
For Yossi, our visit was a real present. He had to wait long
time for this moment, and I saw how his face shining after we have visited him,
and he asked right away for more visits. It was really beautiful. Two of the
students have family roots also in Argentina, so there is a great connection
to explore.
Students from Meitsar visiting Yossi in Hukuk
Marit was so happy too. She shared a bit of her life how she
grew up.
Marit from Hukuk with her new students from Meitsar
Genosar
Eliram and Batya welcomed the students with joy, they were waiting already and the moment the students entered their houses, was like they knew each other for long time.
Enyoy the pictures,
Shalom,
Timek
Dear friends!
The holidays are over and we are in full tilt to the initiatives with new apprentices in all our locations. Again I had the privilege to meet at the holiday with Timek a marvelous Cadet team from Mayaan Baruch. The story of "lechaim " have touched a lot of hearts, and after the meeting I asked some students to stay with me for a short video interview, where they talked about their feelings and what they have absorbed during the session.
In conclusion I wish a happy new year and continuing our model of activity
that unites people , touch and elevate them up by discovering the power of life
in themselves .
Blessings Daniel.
Timek : The atmosphere and the energy in the class was marvelous when Daniel introduced the "Lechaim" project and his vision to the new students of Mayan Baruch. Daniel shared how to approach the Shoa winners - not as victims, but as victors. The students were amazed to hear this new message and acknowledged that they feel that it is the very correct and respectful approach.
This is the link to the video : https://youtu.be/cO348ZqEYvE.
Shalom Timek
Pardes Channa
We went on the third day of Tabernacles to a greetings visits with a bag full
of goodies to our winners. Dina has a Sukkah and every year
her children build it for her and she tries at least to eat in the Sukkah (to
sleep is already impossible for her). She was happy to see us and gave us couscous
that she do with her bare hands. From her, we reached Aviva
who was not at home and we just left the package reminding our visit, and later
we received a phone call from her with congratulations and thanks for the attention
and homage. With Tzipora we met also her granddaughter and blessed them a happy
holiday. We came to Gizela and the lady who takes care of her already many years-
finally came back and the order returned back in her mind and in her house.
After falling down in her tiny Bathroom, she had to do renovation that transformed
the bathroom more suited to her capacity for her physical ability.
The new Bath fitting Gizela needs
She told us how wonderful this man Ychiam who comes with his own children and make her happy on holidays and on Friday eve.
Aliza in the Sukka.
Aliza told us how her family earned for her Sukkah to celebrate the holiday by sitting and eat in the Sukkah.
We meant to add another aspect for the holiday- cheering those who enjoy our visit. .Rivka
Modiin
Efrat, and Rachel : We visited Svetlana after a long time that we couldn't come because of her falling down- needing the time to heal her injury .
At first she asked us how we are and we told her how school year have started
and about our annual trip. Svetlana told us what was her last
month after she fell and how she feels .
Svetlana Efrat and Rachel
Then we ate apples and honey and we wished a good year for all of us. We had coffee which Svetlana prepared, and she told us that she was with her daughter on Rosh Hashanah eve and on the next day her second daughter was with the grandchildren.
Svetlana said they purchased a new chair and Dmitri now is more comfortable to sit in the room .
She also said they were talking with the social worker about needing to replace the bathroom shower, in order to make it easier to come and go without the chance fall again .
Then Rachel brought a camera and took pictures and gave Svetlana the pictures. We made a picture of Svetlana and Dimitry together and they came out really cute, they rejoiced .
After that we heard by the computer a singer Svet. loves named Natty, and he sang Ukrainian song in Hebrew. She said she remembers that song since she was a little girl .
Birthday 80 in Modiin :
Shir : Last Thursday we got (almost) all the grandchildren to celebrate with
Chemda .
Happy birthday for Chemda
Before the celebration, unique girl from the high school called us telling
me about hearing about the project and she love to bake amazing cakes for pleasure.
She offered to make cakes for the birthday meeting of the volunteers giving
her part as a volunteer !!! She was very excited about the correspondence and
did a wonderful cake, beautiful and delicious .
The cakes.
The celebration was huge. We arrived with a cake, a gift and a blessing and bought another gift ceramics prepared especially by one of the mothers. Chemda was very happy. The conversation was full of laughter and humor throughout the celebration. Chemda told us about Sharon who is also a volunteer. I met her (she is herself a mother) She came in the morning before us and brought a stunning cake and balloons .
I was so happy we were able to make her happy and felt really reluctantly that Chemda became the grandmother for us and a mother for Sharon.
Zfat
Shalom was very excited that I came and said that it was part
of a day full of luck, after having a hard morning. We talked about how life
is ups and downs but it is a sign of life and we must enjoy the road.
Shalom happy with Shir.
He is was very happy for the groceries and other goods and of course like a true gentleman brought me a flower. During the visit, a group of tourists arrived before immigration to Israel in Zfat . The front door was opened and they asked for candles to Shabbat that wasn't found anywhere. We had a short conversation mixing English-Russian-Hebrew on how good is our country. It was very warm and happy visit !
Julie was very exciting.
Julie.
She wept with emotion of the pool and told me how much we have added and how much she is waiting for the new volunteers and moved me greatly. She talked about the holidays and the children and grandchildren .
Then I got to Diamanta and Channan ,and I also met the new hire of Chanan who came from India two months ago and already know a decent number of words in Hebrew. I also met their daughter and one of the grandchildren. I was pleased to see the strong and complete Diamante, after a long recovery from a very difficult last fall. They also look forward for the new visits and mentioned their first experiences with the soldiers who came to visit and have already released .
I finally went to Esther. This visit was amazing as usual.
With food we had prepared together what was in the refrigerator and spontaneity.
Stories of Esther about the good things happening in her life
and watching her excitement for the special meeting which will happen hopefully
next week with the new volunteers.
Special love.
I saw her nails and she looked at me with half eye and I offered to do a new nail polish for her and she was happy and said that I got her just in time! she was very happy and thanked for every little thing, whether it's coffee or if I do dishes or just come to visit her. We have separated with loving hug and I already miss her .
Noga the soldier visit Eti in Jerusalem
I went to visit Eti after long time that we have not seen each other .
I came to visit her for the New Year's Eve, but she forgot our arrangement
and was not at home. Today I met her and she told me she went to relatives who
gave a birth of a new child. I was glad to hear that she had spent the holiday
with her family .
Noga the soldier with Eti.
Eti is painful with her eyes and lately she noticed that her vision deteriorated .
She told me about her faith. She is not a believer, but she said that for her Yom Kippur is definitely an opportunity to ask for forgiveness and perhaps change fate which was sealed and written .
We parted with greetings for the New Year and Happy Holidays .
These are our news. All the best to all and have a blessed Shabbat !
Daniel
September 19, 2018
Modiin
Shir : Before the New Year eve I made a holiday packages bringing to my Modiin "Lechaim" family. ,
I started visiting with my mother Riri .
Riri, Shlomit and Shi
Riri was very excited from the beautiful blessings and especially from the greeting card. We talked a little bit about where we makes the holiday.
Then, I went to Chemda who was very happy about the visit and the gift. We talked about the recent meetings she had with the grandchildren and their help especially in bringing a better mood. Towards the end of the meeting came Lily her daughter which I heard a lot about her, and we both hugged as coveted to each other.
The next visit was with Janet the angel.
Janet
Janet also surprised me with a gift for claiming that she bought all her granddaughters and grandsons and for me as her granddaughter. " I was moved very much. We talked about the challenging period that she had with her back problems. Also, we talked about her family, grandchildren and their dilemmas at this stage of life as mine - choosing our own way.
I shared with her what is happening to my very busy time. She advised me listened with interese, and I felt I was sharing with a close friend.
At the end of the day, I got to amazing Shulamith. This visit was warm and
loving as always. We talked about life and things that if I write them it will
reduce the depth and emotions were talking.
Shulamit
Lonnie was there (daughter of Shulamit) and we talked about youth, about all that is good in the country despite trying to show us a lot of different times, for some it is obvious that we have a country and how much we have to work all the time to make it properly.
The next day, I went to visit her grandmother Sarah. I brought her pack and
of course cheesecake she loves. She was very surprised that I arrived unannounced
after she did not answer for a few days.
Sara
She was very excited I got especially from the pool for the holiday. She said that she will be in the holiday with her family in Maccabim , and shared with me that this year she volunteered to accompany students with emotional problems and not as a kind of tutorial that helps immigrants and she was very happy for the change.
The next visit was very emotional. Chagit and I , got together and came to
Grandfather Mordechai. We decided to surprise him. He slept and woke up and
at first- said that he thought he was dreaming. After recovering a bit, he kept
happy and thanked us that we surprised him and brought the beautiful pot chassis
Chagit has brought.
Chagit, Mordechai and Shir
We talked about the holiday and where everyone is doing it, and suddenly discovered that he had no where to be at the holiday... his doughter went abroad and his son do not host. I offered him and his caretaker to join us (it was just a few hours before the holiday meal). He was moved very much and we were all happy . Eventually, and after adding the table and re-editing to honor them, just 30 minutes before I planned to bring him, he called and said that he really sick. Nothing helped, but he was delighted to be invited.
Last visit before the holiday was for Svetlana and Dmitry. Svetlana is not in good shape at the moment and still recovering from her fall in the shower.
Svetlana, Dimitri and Shir
She suffers a lot of pains and not so independent. She said that it greatly affects the mood and she can't even get the grandchildren from "Lechaim" yet, hoping that she will be recovered slowly and be herself again. Despite everything, she was very happy that I came and was thrilled by the attention, the blessings and the chassis.
May each year will continue to delight and excite and get excited with these amazing winners.
News from the North
In Kyriat Shmona all the winners have received Rosh HaShana package with the best wishes for the new year. It was great joy to meet all of them. They can't wait until the students will start visiting them.
Klara prepared blinches and invited her brother Anatoli. We
spent a good time together. Also with Raya and Rina. Israel, Bracha, Lisa and
Roman expressed their great appreciation for us - taking care for so many years
to their group.
Klara and Mordechai
Ida was hospitalized, but is back home. Her health situation is the same, she can't do much in her home. But no word of complains. Her heart is full of thankfulness. She receives medical and housekeeping help every day for several hours. Ina is ill and suffers from dizziness. Also Neli has spent few days in the hospital.
We had a fantastic and warm meeting with Steve and Rachel. And also in HaGoshrim with Ahroncik.
In Katzrin Jafim and Ela were extremely happy with the Rosh Hashana wishes and renewed connection. They enjoy that soon the visits from the students will start again.
In Kfar Hanasi, me and Daniel met the new students of the mechina. The positive atmosphere and enthusiasm from the students is overwhelming. I look forward to spend a blessed year with them as we will visit the shoa winners in Rosh Pina and Chatzor.
Shalom, Timek
Pardes Channa
Yechiam the youth coordinator in Neve Michael decided to come every Friday with his girls and to lit candles - welcoming Shabbat with Gizela who since losing her partner, she longed to do it again and as you can see she is very excited for this gesture.
Gizela with the shirt lightning Shabbat candels
In the picture you can see that Gizela was wearing the shirt that was given
to her at the end of the school year and we wear it when we go to visit. She
was for a while in the hospital and only recently she came back home.
We wish her a better year and better health.
Gmar Chatima Tova ,
Rivka
September 7, 2018
Zfat
Shir : Especially before the holiday, I went to visit some of our winners in
Zfat and packages for Rosh Hashana, the rest I will visit next week between
the holidays .
I started with the stunning Esterka. She was very excited for
my blessings. She told me how much she loved the volunteers who she had the
last two years and were visiting her after finishing the preparatory with their
families. She said that the soldiers were very happy and turned to be as her
grandchildrenEster with the gift for the holiday. She shared with me the joy
of the busiest period which last increased, eventful of weddings and alliances.
I was thrilled with it and saw pictures of the events and it was just great.
Then we talked about things souls to soul , as it's possible only with Esther.
Ester and the gift for Rosh Hashanna
Candlesticks
And we were surprised both of us again for the level of closeness and openness. She told me some things that she never tell even to her children or her friends. It moved me very much. As always, I did not want to go and I can' t wait for the next meeting.
Then I went to sweet Moses and Irene. They were thrilled from
the chassis. They did not believe and did not stop to thank and say it's too
much.
Irena and Moshe with Shir
I was a joy to see them that way. They told me about their plans for the holiday, Moses recounted his trip to Paris as a teenager, and about their children and grandchildren. They also said that for the new year they expect the new volunteers and now enjoy the charming soldiers who are coming when it's possible.
From there I went to my grandmother Lillian. Lillian still
suffer from the death of the her late dear Meir as if it happened yesterday.
She faces many difficulties during the meeting as always and I tried to get
her to look at the good things in life.
Lilian and Shir
Then I went to Zipporah. She is a woman with a difficult life story and had
a complex life with a lot of cynicism and pain in her eyes.
Zippora
She admitted very literally beamed when she saw all the good things we brought her enclosure. She talked about medical issues and her concern for her son and her sadness of her life. I tried to please her and say that soon will begin a new year and she will have more grandchildren, and she said she did not want any more grandchildren, but only Tal and Emily who have visited her this year.
Finally I came to Larissa. She did not answer airspace over
the phone and I decided to surprise her hoping that she is at home.
She was very emotional and very surprised to see me. She hugged me very excited
for the blessings and the enclosure. She proudly showed me the pictures with
grandchildren associations and she put the pictures which were given to her
in the center of the living room. We talked about the coming year.
It was a very busy day at the end I went back to Modiin happy and content.
Pardes Channa
Hello to all our friends!
This time I was joined by students from Neve Michael with joy and anticipation.
Of course we came with worthy holiday packages. We visited all our friends and
were happy and excited. Of course - the upcoming holiday atmosphere added excitement
and the reunion between the students and the adult heroes . Sadly we did not
meet Gizela and Aviva. We hope to see them soon and celebrate
their better health. Yeshayahu after the long summer was so
pleased to see his visitors. You can see his shining face.
Ishayhau and the boys
Jonah also happy to meet and get the sweets and the beautiful gift for the
Holiday.
Yonna from Shoham, happy with her visitors
The highlight of our visit will take place tomorrow when Yechiam and the students
will come to Dina after the event which was yesterday in a
memory of a righteous, and the yard was left with full of leftovers every party
and no one was there to clean it. They are coming to to clean up her yard and
her home. Students and Yehiam picked up the gauntlet and tomorrow afternoon
they will rectify the situation and bring order and cleanliness in Dina's as
a pure act of love for mankind. And we will tell about it soon. and went to
Dina's yard
With Dina after the cleaning.
Yehiam: hear my story: Yesterday boys and girls went out to
volunteer with the Holocaust survivors which turned to be as their grandparents
. One of the girls from Zion group , saw Dina's house and its
surroundings, which were very dirty and with unpleasant odors and she felt obligated
to do something about it. She picked up the phone and asked me to come and see
. She offered that we will do for Dina a surprise visit in order to make her
happy. And that's what happened today. We - about ten apprentices and apprenticeship.
Student from Jerusalem helping in the garden.
It prove the power of a one who cares and with that she can change the world
.... what a pleasure it is to see the students who turned instead of being takers
- to be givers . It felt great to all of us, and the joy of giving for the sake
of it...
Ruth Michael and Hodaya
We would like to wish all the friends of our association - best wishes for
the new year, hoping that a real dialogue between people who want to live peacefully.
Let's bein able to live in fellowship with each other and with our neighbors.
Warm blessing and gratitude to all the donors who are able to accompany our
work in this and all the volunteers who miraculously doing their mission and
illuminate the lives of adults- earning precious love and interest.
Rivka
Zvia greetings for the begining of the year.
https://youtu.be/0R46yTHWNnU
Shortly she speak about the benefit of being part of the project and how it
became very important for the students who turned to be part of this project
as well.
Yechiam's greetings
https://youtu.be/AChjkXF-4QY
https://youtu.be/QUFqTEzFo8k
Yechiam tell us how he understood the importence of this project and how much it give to him as well as to the students, and he hope that the connection with "Lechim" will continue and will bear more fruits.
News from the North
Dear Friends,
It was a great joy to bring Rosh Hashana greetings to our brave survivors.
I was a joy to see Israel Moskowitz from Rosh Pina in a better
health . For many weeks he was struggling and was three times in the hospital
and the doctors couldn't find anything. Now we know : It was constipation.
Israel with his grandchild
He knew, I knew, but the doctors ignored the simplicity of Israel's problem
and complains. Instead of putting their hands on his stomach, they made CT scans,
found nothing, again and again, while Israel was in a very critical and tremendous
pains in his stomach. The doctors found nothing. Finally, they found that it
is constipation and Israel turned to be fine. There was no need of so much suffering.
Israel can smile again.
Thanks to Hashem!
Also Tzipora from Chukuk enjoyed my visit. All her life she felt alone, now someone cares. That removes a bit of her sorrows and joy takes place in her heart. She was also hospitalized, got antibiotic and now she is recovering her strength at home.
Ruchama from Hukuk lost her son when he was only 50 years old. He passed away suddenly while working. Heart attack. Ruchama is still in shock. I couldn't give her any comfort, because there are no words, no answers for all our questions. Only HaShem knows...
Much greetings from all the others dear people, EliRam and Batja from Ginosar; Marit and Jossi from Chukuk, Jaffa, Mina, Bracha from Chazor, Rachel and Chana from Rosh Pina. Today I continue bringing greetings further north.
Shalom,
Timek
Daniel Braun
E-mail: danielxrw@gmail.com
Telefoon: + 972 54 772 3510
Welkom op onze website: Lechaim2life.org.il