Public Service Announcement and an Option for Motzei Shabbos

Great Miracles Happen Here

 

If you have ever seen a dreidel from Israel, you know that it has a letter pey in place of the letter shin that the ones we have here feature.  That is because while we refer to the great miracle that happened there, in Israel, they can say it happened here.  A miraculous victory – against the odds - was followed by the wondrous discovery of pure oil that miraculously burned for 8 whole days.  That happened over 2,000 years ago, but miracles still happen every Chanukah.  Sick children and their families gain hope that they may beat the odds in their battle against cancer.  Pure joy, which seemed to have disappeared forever, is miraculously rediscovered.  And the light of kindness dispels the gloom of sadness for a truly happy Chanukah. 

How does such a miracle happen?  It happens through the dedicated efforts of the Ossie Schonfeld Chanukah Toy Fund in partnership with Chayainu and Lev Leytzan, a volunteer medical clowning group.   Before the holiday, children with cancer, as well as all their siblings, in Israel put down what they wish to get.  The toy fund purchases the requested items, and ships them to Israel. They come to the children through a most special form of delivery – the clowns of Lev Leytzan.  These volunteers hail from area schools, like Mesivta Ateres Yaakov, Rambam, Darchei Torah, Yeshiva Far Rockaway, Tifereth Moshe, DRS, SKA, and Central.  They devote the days of Chanukah to travelling throughout Israel where they visit hospitals, orphanages, and private homes to deliver the delight of opening up a present of a wished for toy to children.  These children whose lives otherwise revolve around cancer and its arduous treatments get a respite from sickness as songs, dances, and juggling bring in the light of laughter and the radiance of smiles.  When these children finally break into a smile, their parents can, too. 

As anyone who has seen this sight can attest, each one of those smiles is a miracle in itself.  Dr. Neal Goldberg, the founder of Lev Leytzan, explains, “It’s not a one time occasion for them. These gifts and the warm memories of the funny clowns helping them play as children should keep them smiling for months, if not through the whole year.”  In addition to the spark of joy, the laughter dispensed by these clowns can prove to be the best medicine.  In one dramatic case, a young boy had lost the ability to walk on his own as a result of being physically and emotionally depleted by a serious case of cancer. Then he got the thrill of a visit from Ossie’s and Lev Leytzan.  His parents identify the time they came to his house as the beginning of his recovery.  That Chanukah visit brought the boy such joy and hope that he felt strength return to him.  He is now in remission and no longer needs a wheelchair. Here’s a victory that beat the odds of illness, another Chanukah miracle!

In 2003 the Schonfeld family established the Ossie Schonfeld Chanukah Toy Fund in memory of their father, Yosef, affectionately known as Ossie. Bringing happiness and light to children whose lives are overshadowed by illness is the most fitting way to honor the memory of a man who lived and breathed chesed and especially loved children and the land of Israel.  While the need has, unfortunately, increased, Judy and Robbie Schonfeld remain committed to spreading the light of joy to these children and not to disappoint a single one.  For that they need support from the community. Tax deductible contributions can be made to Ossie’s Toy Fund.

You can also show your support by attending the melaveh malkah to benefit Ossie’s Toy Fund.  It is to take place, iy’H, on November 20 at 8:30 p.m. Rachel Pill, LCSW is the featured speaker.   You are welcome to come and enjoy a sushi bar in the home of Judy and Robbie Schonfeld, 850 Broadway in Woodmere.   For more information, contact 516-791-2158 or e-mail ossiestoyfund@aol.com. Let’s keep up the tradition of miracles.

For a slideshow of photos and some more details of Lev Leytzan's Ambassador Program, see http://www.examiner.com/jewish-bridal-in-new-york/anticipating-chanukah-and-smiles

Visit my site www.kallahmagazine.com -- not just for kallahs. You can also see posts at http://www.examiner.com/x-18522-NY-Jewish-Bridal-Examiner