There were nothing but smiles all day at Lubavitch on the Palisades school on Monday, as students and teachers marked a special smile day dedicated to Evan Levy, z”l, a former LPS student who passed away from cancer last December at the age of 4. Friends and family of Evan and many friends of Evan from Englewood and The Moriah School launched the hashtag #smilethruit as part of a campaign called Kids4Evan, which encourages people to smile even in the most difficult of circumstances.

During his short life, Evan created huge memories for everyone around him, and filled the halls of LPS with great smiles. Even on his toughest day, undergoing many surgeries and treatments, Evan found a way to #smilethruit.

Atlanta-based Jewish entertainer Rabbi Jake headlined a smile-filled concert in honor of Evan, featuring songs such as Rabbi Jake’s now-famous “Roar Like a Lion,” and “Ready for Shabbat,” as well as Chanukah favorites and even some great new songs from his upcoming second album. Rabbi Jake also performed for Friendship Circle and Anshei Lubavitch this week, as part of his semi-annual Northern New Jersey tour. The entire day, which also included face painting, Kids4Evan stickers and smiley cookies, was filled with fun and friendship in honor of Evan.

Tzedakah money raised on our Kids4Evan day, as well as that week, was to be donated to Chai Lifeline’s newly launched Evan Levy z”l fund. The fund helps with financial support for families that are dealing with illness.