Our girls at the Lev Lalev Israel Orphanage will soon return to school after a memorable and fun filled summer, where they learned many new life skills and also had the wonderful opportunity to travel to various historic sites throughout the country. Now these Israeli orphans will begin a new personal journey- a new year in school with new academic and social challenges.
Next week, we mark the beginning of the High Holiday season as we observe the New Month of Elul. The sharp shrill of the shofar is a reminder that we often go through pain before we are able to rise to new heights. Elul is a time of self-reflection and self-improvement. Each day, as part of the morning service, we blow the shofar, the ram’s horn, to awaken us to the opportunity for improvement and repentance.
As the girls hear the sound they begin a new chapter in their lives – 5779, While all beginnings are difficult, the start of school year/Jewish New Year, gives the girls the opportunity to start fresh, and to move forward with their studies and with their new set of social skills.
The Jewish Children’s Home has four overlapping goals as we give the orphan girls in Israel the help, understanding and love that they need to succeed. At Lev Lalev we give the Jewish, Israeli girls the physical, educational, psychological, and spiritual tools they need to reach new heights of success. Partnering with our girls gives them the second chance they so desperately need. I often say that taking someone around the home, “You might not be able to change the world, but you are making a world of a difference to each and every young woman in the home.” It is so very important that you are there for them and we thank you for being our partners in change – for helping each girl take one step forward as she leaves a life of darkness and grief. Thank you for caring and sharing. “What comes from your heart, enters theirs”.