I usually come to Ateres Chaya, a grand simcha hall located in the heart of Brooklyn, to sing at a wedding or a bar mitzvah, but on the 7th night of Chanukah, a different type of celebration took place. It was the annual OHEL Chanukah party, where OHEL staff, volunteers, individuals and board members all gather to celebrate together. It was truly an uplifting and inspiring evening, with nachas infused throughout the entire venue.
There were almost 750 people who came to the OHEL Chanukah party, sponsored once again by Sammy and Lea Trencher. There were smiles that warmed the heart, dancing, food, and delicious sufgoniyot sponsored by another good friend of OHEL’s children.
The incredible party featured all different kinds of entertainers, including magicians, face painters and balloon sculptures. There were gifts and giveaways on every table, and nobody left the party empty handed!
One of the OHEL Bais Ezra clients who was at the party said how he look forward to the party all year, and that he enjoyed having the opportunity to get dressed up and dance.
Mazel tov is due to OHEL on 44 years of providing help to individuals with developmental and psychiatric illness, to children abused and neglected with nowhere else to turn. Since 1969, OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services has served thousands in our community as a dependable haven of individual and family support, helping people of all ages surmount everyday challenges, heal from trauma and manage with strength and dignity during times of crisis. All of these individuals are part of the OHEL family, and without OHEL they would have nowhere to turn and no place to call home. They all deserve simcha and the ability to celebrate with our community members. As a proud board member, I looked around the room and wondered where all these special neshomas would be if not for Ohel. Scary thought.
So, once again, mazel tov to OHEL and all its wonderful board members, supporters and friends who ensure that every individual is part of the OHEL family.
by Shloime Dachs
