Hebrew School Graduates Give Thanks at Gala Dinner

300 parents and guests filled the Bal Harbour Shul ballroom for the CHAP (Chabad in Florida’s Afterschool Program for Jewish children in Public School) Annual end-of year Dinner. CHAP is a project of Chabad of Highland Lakes, FL, under the leadership of Rabbi Moishe and Mrs. Layah Kievman.

Participants were mesmerized as children ages 5-12 opened up the evening in song and dance, setting the mood for an evening to remember.

“Each year we think it’s the best, yet somehow, it gets better and better,” said Micahel Wohl, a Chabad Chayil supporter.

This year’s dinner had a simultaneous children’s dinner, with laser tag and loads of fun, while the adults enjoyed their own entertainment.

Attorney Barry Snyder, who was honored with the Community Chessed Award, expressed to parents and guests the great value and tremendous need for CHAP. “I’ve watched the program grow into what it is today and I see firsthand how crucially it’s needed,” he explained. “It does so much more than keep kids off the street and in a safe and nurturing environment while teaching Yiddishkeit and Jewish values. CHAP teaches the kids how to be a mentch. And to me, being a mentch is everything.”

Teacher of the Year Morah Sima Masarano explained the huge need for a new facility. “We try our best to work with what we have, and thank G-d you see the amazing results. Hundreds of children coming through our doors. Hundreds of children learning Alef Bet and about G-d. And it’s all amazing. But imagine how much more can be accomplished in a proper facility!” she said.

The evening was highlighted by six special speeches, each less than two minutes, but each leaving the crowed mesmerized. The speeches were given by the kids of the graduating class, who each had their own story. Keren was at CHAP since kindergarten and explained the impact CHAP has had on her. Galit, who just joined this past year, told how comfortable she was made to feel coming from another country. Hanna, who had several bad experiences in other schools and only came to CHAP to make her parents happy, expressed how the friends she made at CHAP are now her best friends, the teachers are part of her family and how her mom brings her to CHAP 30 minutes early just because she loves it so much! Each child had something special to share that left the crowd in tears.

CHAP is a daily after school program for children ages 5-13, with a CTeen chapter on Public School Campus at three public high schools for Jewish teens in grades 9-12. They are both run by Chabad Chayil – the Jewish Center of Highland Lakes, FL. To learn more, visit HebrewSchool.info or call (305) 770-1919.