Chabad’s Kids In Action For Israel Have Fun Themselves While Reaching Out to Others

MONROE, NY [CHI] — Chabad’s Kids In Action for Israel recently met at the Castle Fun Center in Chester for an exciting afternoon of mini-golf and Go-Karting. Afterward, the group headed to Chabad’s Goshen location to enjoy ice-cream sundaes and to decorate pillowcases for children in Israel who are victims of war.

“This is our final event of the year,” says Chana Burston, who co-directs Chabad of Orange County with her husband, Rabbi Pesach. “Kids in Action has been a successful program which has attracted youths ages 6-12 from throughout the county to meet once a month and enjoy an activity for themselves, and participate in something special for Israel.”

“It’s empowering for youth to use their creativity for sharing and giving to others,” says Rabbi Pesach. “They know they are going to have a great time and meet new friends, and they leave feeling fulfilled that they made a difference in Israel.”

Kids in Action for Israel is part of Chabad’s Youth Zone, headed by Chabad youth leaders Shayna Witkis and Dassie Levilov. “Kids loved the activities” says Witkes, “which included an Israeli carnival, bowling, roller-skating, and a trip to the Jewish Children’s Museum in Brooklyn, among others. In addition, they really looked forward to the creative projects they designed for various causes in Israel.”

Among the many projects for Israel this year were a live video and cards for children in Sha’arei Tzedek hospital, Jerusalem, puppets for children with special needs, and packages for Israel soldiers. Shipping and handling for all the projects sent to Israel where handled and generously sponsored by Henry & Samira Galler of Monroe.

As she decorated her pillowcase with puff paint and jewels, Megan Heller, age 11, of Chester, says she can’t wait to find out what will be planned for Kids in Action this coming school year.

Layla Gordon, 12, of Goshen, designs a pillow case for children in Israel who are victims of war

Chaim Pincus, 10, of Washingtonville, proudly showing his Star of Daivd sand necklace he made at Chabad’s Youth Zone Israeli Carnival

Some of the Youth – and young at heart – having fun at Chabad’s Youth Zone Israel Carnival, from l-r: Megan Heller of Chester, Chabad Youth Director Dassy Levilev, Malkie Krieger (above) of Monroe, Justin Meshulam (above) of Highland Mills, Andrea Pincus and her son Jared, of Washingtonville, Amanda Heller of Chester, Molly Bermen of Warwick, Monica Roth of Highland Mills and Chaim Pincus of Washingtonville