On Taanis Esther, a group of Shevach High School students went to visit The Boulevard ALP to deliver mishloach manos provided by Agudath Israel of America, and to bring the spirit of Purim to the residents. With fun costumes and lively music, the elderly residents and the Shevach students alike had a memorable and uplifting experience.
Aviva Keller, one of the students who participated in this venture, shared a glimpse of her rewarding experience. “I see how true it is that ‘good things come in small packages.’ Although, due to health concerns, only a smaller group than usual was able to make it to the Boulevard ALP this Taanis Esther, we felt that we made a very big impact. As we walked in with smiles on our faces, it was as if we were looking into mirrors. Each of the residents’ faces glowed with pure joy as we handed each one a mishloach manos. One of the men even started singing a Purim song!
“When we left it was unclear who had gained more from the experience. The feeling that we had made someone else’s Purim was very special for us. Yet I know that it really made our day, too!” This was just one girl’s experience, yet it was clear that all the girls felt the same way.
Kudos to the following Shevach students who participated in this wonderful chesed: Shevach Chesed Heads Rochel Rosenshein, Rachaele Sitzer, and Shira Sklar, accompanied by Shevach students Bashi Berman, Aviva Keller, Devorah Leah Lavian, Penina Rockove, and Sarala Taub.
In Kew Gardens, The Atria and The Homestead were both treated to a memorable visit by Shevach alumna Mrs. Batzion (Massis) Brody, her husband, and their three children, who in their delightful costumes, brought Purim joy to all the residents. The seniors loved being visited by the charming children, many residents in fact remembering them from their previous Purim visits. As Mrs. Brody stated “I started coming here on Purim when I was a Shevach student, and I will not give it up! This is the true spirit of Purim that I hope to impart to my children.”
The Queens community can be very proud of the Shevach students, as we know that they will continue to do their wonderful acts of chesed and amaze us with their willingness to give.
