Siblings of our Camp Simcha campers got to have some Simcha fun this week at the fourth SibsClub of the season. Our girls met in Brooklyn for some aerobics, t-shirt creations, and lunch. Many thanks to our volunteers!

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A spectacular night of fun, friends, food, and FOOTBALL was enjoyed by Chai Lifeline dads, sons, and counselors at the Father-Son Super Bowl XLV Bash. The party was complete with plasma screens, plenty of sitting room on plush couches and sofas, ping pong tables, face painting, a catered buffet stocked with plenty of food and drinks, a special VIP room for intense viewing by serious fans, cool lighting effects for a real party feel, raffles & prizes, and special limited edition Chai Lifeline/Camp Simcha Super Bowl XLV rally towels. Extra Special Thanks to Marc Ecko Enterprises, Eli Lutz, and the entire crew for the massive effort putting it all together.

While most were enjoying Football at the fabulous NY party, Adam, Reuven, and Avraham had the experience of a lifetime when they attended Super Bowl XLV in Dallas! Flying in from as far away as California and Illinois, the trio was accompanied by counselors who catered to their every need. Many thanks to LH Financial Services for making this dream trip possible!

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Only an early wake up was befitting for the jam packed day we had in store. The Great Synagogue kindly opened their doors for us with red carpet treatment. Our boys were asked to partake in various honors such as opening the ark and being called up to the Torah. Following prayers, we were invited to a lavish kiddush in the synagogue’s banquet hall. A private section was set aside for our group where we were able sit, relax, and eat. We were joined by synagogue president Dr. Felix Glaubach, vice president Zalli Jaffe, and Chief Cantor Chaim Adler.

As the sun set on Shabbat, so it did for our amazing trip. We gathered together for an intimate shalosh seudot which set the tone for our departure. We got to hear the voices of many, as we shared stories and memories with one another. We then joined in an inspiring havdalah as we sang Shabbat kodesh away.

But our journey wasn’t quite over yet. A quick pack up and a loading of the bus brought our group to the Kotel for some final farewells. Prayers, tears, and heartfelt goodbyes filled the air as we kissed the holy stones one last time. Our “mishpucha” (family) joined arm in arm as we sang and danced our way back to the bus; off to the airport we went.

Upon arriving at the airport, the group was greeted by the warm smiles of the kind people of El Al Airlines who were there to help. Pre-arranged check in lines were designated just for us, to help speed up and ease the check-in process. We were then escorted to a private El Al conference room were we watched a slide show of the memories of our glorious trip which seemed to pass so quickly. Emotions raced as goodbyes where exchanged with our native Israeli “mishpucha” members. Our remaining group passed through security and entered yet another private Elal lounge where midnight snacks and refreshments were served. After boarding and taking our seats, the plane slowly began to ascend. Although the images of Israel began to fade from our windows, we know that the great memories we’ve created will forever remain with us; etched in our hearts forever.

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Early this morning, 2 of our teens wanted to see Rabbi Elyashev, a prominent Rabbi in Israel. To accomplish that, 5 counselors got up at  5AM and transported the two teens in their wheelchairs to the greet Rabbi. There, the boys were able to ask a Torah questions to Rav Elyashev. An incredible experience.

Once again the rain did not stop our fearless troopers, as we took to the streets early Friday afternoon. Soaking up the Erev Shabbat “Geula scene,”  we went hustling and bustling about for last minute Shabbat purchases and gift buying. Trotting through the puddles, we made it down to Manny’s book store for some more ruckus and uproar. The group then headed into the heart of Bais Yisroel area to Pizza Shai, for a true authentic Mir lunch experience.

After an early candle lighting, we loaded up the bus and headed out for kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel. We gathered together under the enclosed section of the Kotel to pray under the leadership of our very own Ari Dembitzer. Our hearts were filled with warm songs and prayers as many strangers as well as familiar faces joined together to sing as one. We then geared up for the trek back to the hotel. The group had the privilege to have the extended Chai Lifeline family join them in an extravagant Friday night meal. We ate, sang, and danced together as one big family. The joyous occasion served as true inspiration to us all.

On Thursday, we went to visit Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, who is one of the greatest Torah leaders of our generation. We lifted each of the boys and carried them up  a flight of stairs to the Rabbi’s apartment. Everything is possible with Chai lifeline. There, they received blessings and words of strength from the Rabbi. The Rebbetzin came down to meet with the moms and the girls. She was so incredibly warm and sweet, and gave each woman a blessing and a kiss.

We then went to visit Rabbi Aron Leib Shteinman. The Rabbi is formerly the Rosh Kollel (“head”) of the Ponevezh Kollel, he is a backer of the Kupat Ha’ir charitable organization, and has written many scholarly works on the Talmud. He blessed all of the participants as well.

From Bnai Brak, We traveled  to Mini Israel, which is a model representation of all of Israel’s famous buildings and landmarks. Those in the group from New York and Chicago could only chuckle as they saw two trucks of snow being delivered to the Hermon section of the site!

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Today we did something that has probably never been done before; it was truly a miracle and another dream come true. Our day started with a journey to Tzfat. Accompanied by a guitarist, we sang and danced through the busy narrow streets of the old city. Onlookers joined in or watched in amazement as the parade of wheelchairs walked by. After a break for a picnic lunch, a visit to the artist’s colony and wine factory, everyone was re-energized and then the unthinkable took place.

There is a custom to go to the mikvah of the Ari HaKadosh and to visit the grave sites of some of our great sages, and our boys did not want to miss this opportunity.  Leave it up to the tenacity, perseverance, and creativity of the staff to turn that dream into a reality.  Now for an explanation; it’s all great dunking in a FREEZING cold mikvah, but it’s about 150-200 steps down from the street. How were we going to get these boys down there?  It is not exactly wheelchair accessible! The staff decided to carry the boys one by one on a stretcher down to the mikvah. They borrowed 2 army-type stretchers from the local Magen David Adom, strapped the boys in, and carried each one of our boys down the winding stairs to the mikvah. It was a scary but amazing sight to see. As they reached the mikvah, campers and counselors rejoiced with singing and dancing to celebrate the amazing accomplishment. Just when we thought we accomplished it all by putting these teens on camels, giving them the freedom of floating in the Dead Sea, climbing Masada…

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Thank you to all those who participated in the 2011 Team Lifeline Miami Marathon for going the distance for Chai Lifeline’s kids! This year’s Miami team was 300 runners strong and raised 1.3 million dollars! To find out more about Team Lifeline, visit www.teamlifeline.org.

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The magic continued as we travelled passed Ma’aleh Adumim back in time to Erez Bereshit. We met Damesec Eliezer and Avraham Avinu, sat in Avraham’s tent, and baked pita on a fire. The highlight of today was when each of our teens got to ride on a camel. It was a scene not to be believed. Teens with no use of their legs were sitting on camels. Tears rolled down the faces of our Moms, who could never have imagined that they would see their kids experiencing Israel and having fun like ‘normal teenagers.’

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From there we travelled to an army base, the elite Kfir unit of the IDF, which was very inspiring. Learning how the soldiers train, live, and sacrifice to protect the Jewish people was eye-opening. The soldiers spoke to our group about their daily schedule, responsibilities, and what makes their unit unique.

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We accomplished things on this trip that the teens, in their wildest dreams, could have never imagined. The singing, dancing, energy, and liveliness that we bring wherever we go is felt by all.

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By Rabbi Shlomo Crandall, Director Chai Lifeline Midwest

The day started on a spiritual high as we went to pray at Kever Rachel.  As we were waiting for the bus to pick us up, some of the teenagers took pictures with the soldiers. Imagine this: a Klausenburger chassid standing next to a chayal.  Imagine this: another chassidic boy wearing the soldiers beret, holding his walkie-talkie and taking a picture with him.  Where else would you see this happen? The mutual respect was apparent as each looked at other in amazement wondering who had the more difficult challenges.

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Next, we were Off to the Kenesset where we were treated with VIP status.  The kids got to sit in on a session on the second tier level reserved only for foreign  dignitaries. We were then treated to a short tour and a sit down lunch. Everything is about timing. During lunch we were greeted by the Vice Prime Minister and leader of the Shas Party Eli Yishai, Meir Porush, Moshe Gaffni of the Agudah, and the number two person in Kadima. What was touching about the many politicians we met was their diversity. Put another way the Kenneset is really a microcosm of the Jewish People. It has the one advantage that people have to talk to each other.

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Our next stop was to the Kotel and the Chain of Generations Center which is situated alongside of the Kotel. We split up into 3 groups because only 3 wheelchairs could go in at a time. In my group were the 3 big boys. As we descended, we entered a relatively small elevator. The chair was too big for one of the boys to continue; We were not going to go back. The boy that was more mobile and in a regular wheelchair was taken first, and put on the floor, while the wheelchair was taken back to the other boys to use to go up the elevator. Nothing is impossible.

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By Rabbi Shlomo Crandall, Director Chai Lifeline Midwest

Much needed rain wouldn’t stop us as we loaded ourselves onto the bus for a day to be spent in the Dead sea and Massada. We at  Chai lifeline are  known for making the impossible- possible.   And today, we accomplished just that.

Today we went to Masada.  What an incredible sight.  We loaded ourselves on 2 cable cars and took a ride up the mountain.  For all of you who have been to Masada you know what it’s like up there.  We took the hilly path and took a nice long walk up and down the hills with 11 wheelchairs.  The strong winds and light rain made the pushing just a little harder.  What a sight to see how girls and boys pushed those wheelchairs and how everyone helped one another.  There were times that 2 people took either handle of the chair to push.  How amazing it was.

Then off to the Dead Sea with girls on one side and boys on the other. On the girl’s side, it was fun fun fun , and utter relaxation.  Mothers and daughters  were  floating in the Dead Sea.

On the boy’s side, the floating in water took on a totally different dimension. Never in my life could I have imagined what I witnessed with my own eyes.  Teenage boy’s that cannot walk suffering from a host of illness were carried in their bathing suits and floated with their legs stretchedstreched out. They did this, and lied in the sun just like any other healthy teenager.  It is hard to know what they were thinking in those few moments, but I can tell you the joy that was so apparent in their faces. I only wish (my wish) that anyone that is reading this blog could have shared that moment with me.  “Making the impossible a reality”

My hat goes off to Ari Dembitzer for really pushing the envelope and creating moment of a lifetime for 5 teenage boys. There are really no words. Kids can’t walk and they are floating in the sea supported only by salt water, and the Almighty himself. All I can is is WOW!

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