Over 60 Guests at Young Shliach’s Birthday Party
Des Plaines, IL — Big turnouts aren’t just for upshernishes anymore. When Yosef Yitzchok (Yossele) Hecht turned two, he had more guests than at his bris.
More pictures in the Extended Article!
Despite remaining in a state of confusion about his gender, 75 residents at a local assisted living center gathered to celebrate. Over kosher cake, cookies, and a Hebrew rendition of “Happy birthday,” Yossele brought the meaning of a Jewish birthday to the elderly. In their own words, they couldn’t help but “kvell” at the sight.
Although he was admittedly a bit shy, the choice of venue was not unfamiliar to little Yossele. As a baby, he already had several adopted grandparents in nursing homes and assisted living centers throughout the area. His parents would describe his main Shlichus as “making people happy.”
As a Shliach, every current event can and must be used to bring out the Yiddishkeit in Yidden. Birthdays too, even the “non-exciting” ages, are the perfect opportunity for a peulah. In such cases, though, it might be easier to go out than to bring people in.
The only question was which senior home. The Park at Golf Mill, a predominantly Jewish assisted living center, was a natural choice.
At the party, a small card was distributed, with a picture of Yossele and his birthday hachlata (visiting the elderly more often) inscribed. The yarmulke on his head in the photo didn’t manage to clear up the gender issue — his long curls were too striking, apparently…
After the official festivities, Yossele and his family went around to meet the guests personally. Brachos were heaped upon his head, and happy birthday cards thrust into his hands. (He was too busy with the cookies to properly acknowledge the gifts, unfortunately.)
As Helen (Leah) expressed, “this is such a treat, such a treat.”
Visiting the elderly growing up:
Chabadnikit
Yay Chumi!
He’s delicious and smushy and yum and no words to describe.
Much nachas!
I’m kvelling.
Sis in the Heights.
Shimon
Beautiful!!
When e’s 3 I’ll bet he opens his own Chabad House!
Mazel Tov!
Family Nachas
Mazal Tov!!!!
we love you!!
many many more simchas!!!
love your favorite tante
Neal A
This is an great example of the great thing Chabad does here in Chicago…
chaim
very nice idea!
Mendy-s Friend
Wow!
This little Shliach is learning young from the ways of his illustrious father…
Mendy, just like in Yeshivah, you are using your brilliant mind to help others…
Best Wishes,
One of your big fans…
a proud bubby!
it puts the “n” in nachas!!!!
abundant brochos to yosselle
and his special parents!
m. hertzel
M. and N.D., he’s gorgeous! He looks like an Adelman :). Give us pics of C. M. I’m very proud of Yossele and his parents for their hachlata, I’m sure everyone will benefit and it should bring n’eNow!
tante sarah
man, how he managed to get that many birthday fans is uncomprehendable to me. but really, he is just too cute to resist….
tons of hugs and kushes to my “Yummy Yingle”