Spotlight on Doing Good

Our hearts and thoughts have been focused on supporting Israel and our efforts will continue.  As we look ahead to the arrival of Hanukkah, we know that there are local families in need of our support as well.    

Blair and I have participated in the Hanukkah Angels program for Chai Lifeline for many years.  It is now an important tent pole of our Chesed initiative. Hanukkah Angels supports families who face serious chronic and life-threatening illnesses. For children and their families who are faced with these medical challenges, Hanukkah can be a very lonely and disappointing experience. As Hanukkah Angels, we arrive to help. " Hanukkah Angels" are community members who "adopt" a Chai Lifeline child, be it a patient, a child of a patient or a sibling, and shop for special gifts on their wish list to make Hanukkah brighter for these children.

We have found that engaging our children in providing for other children in these circumstances, has helped cultivate their feelings of empathy and generosity. You will not believe the power of shopping with your children for presents for others. This spirit of generosity will infuse your family and your Hanukkah with greater sense of joy and appreciation.

VBS has committed to being a Hanukkah Angel for five Jewish children from the Chai Lifeline community.
Read their bios here >

UPDATE: Our Hanukkah Wish Lists were fulfilled OVERNIGHT by our incredible Valley Beth Shalom community on November 1st, the very same day our appeal was emailed to our members. Contributions were placed through a curated Amazon Wish List.

• FULFILLED – VBS Chesed: Hanukkah Angels AMAZON WISH LIST (Note: Purchases will be shipped directly to VBS.)
• Donations to the Wish List Fund: ACCEPTING DONATIONS - Monetary Donation Form (Funds collected via this form will go towards purchasing gifts from the Wish List.  Any amount is appreciated.)

I am grateful to Nikki Eigler, VBS Chesed Chair, for her leadership in this effort. Thank you for your helping to bring joy to the lives of these five children and their families!

Early, early, early Chag Hanukkah Sameach,
Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz
Senior Rabbi, Valley Beth Shalom