ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, DSN BEACH CLUB HOSTED A HEARTFELT EVENT THAT BROUGHT TOGETHER COMMUNITY MEMBERS FOR A DAY FILLED WITH COMPASSION, SUPPORT AND UNITY- THE FAMILY DAY OF HESED.
Exactly three months from october 7, the community recognized the 136 hostages still in captivity. The event aimed to give chizuk to our guest speakers from Israel and uplift spirits to make a positive impact.
Survivor’s Story: A special guest at the event was Roi Assaraf. He and his wife miraculously survived the Nova Festival in Israel on October 7. DSN Beach Club offered Roi the perfect forum for him to share his story. Hundreds of community members along with rabbis attended the event. The emotional atmosphere in the room was palpable, with many in the audience moved to tears by Roi’s account of his harrowing experience.
Family of a Hostage and Hafrashat Challah: The event also hosted the family of Ori Danino, who is currently a hostage in Gaza. The family spoke and prayed for Ori’s safe return, accompanied by a heartfelt Hafrashat Challah ceremony led by Ori’s mother, Einav Danino. The emotional plea from Ori’s sister left the room in devastation, emphasizing the injustice and harsh reality faced by families with loved ones in captivity. Karen Tawil helped lead challah-making after the speakers. Karen said, “This was such an uplifting day. Hearing Roi and the Danino mother speak was moving and inspirational. My kids had a beautiful day. They enjoyed it tremendously. Thank you for including us!”
Israeli Date Cookies: Renowned community chef and Kardio Kale’s Eileen Missry shared the art of making Israeli date cookies, a special treat with a meaningful history. Participants had the opportunity to make and take these cookies or contribute to a later bake sale at DSN, with proceeds benefiting Israel.
Kumzitz: The musical talent of Irving Kairey added a soulful touch to the day, as he graced DSN with his beautiful melodies. The gathering sang Hatikvah, and women later joined arm in arm with the Danino family to dance and uplift one another, creating an atmosphere of solidarity and support.
High School Hesed: DSN’s Hesed 365 committee organized 20 high school schoolgirls to participate in hesed in their own special way. They began with a class led by Rabbi Hidary. Then these girls devoted their time to create prayer cards for DSN’s seniors to pray for soldiers in Israel. Following this, they visited the Special Children’s Center, engaging in collaborative projects, such as clay molding. The girls danced with the young children, creating an uplifting and heartwarming experience. Youth Director Frieda Shamah expressed her admiration for the high school girls. “I was very impressed and inspired by our girls coming to give their time to make the world a better place, especially during these times. Dancing with the special kids at the Center was hands down a highlight- their smiles lit up the day as everyone was filled with pure joy. It was an unforgettable moment.”
Letters to Soldiers: Nechama Wiesenfeld facilitated a meaningful activity where young children crafted letters to be delivered to IDF soldiers in Israel. These letters aimed to boost the spirits of the soldiers, showing them that they are supported and appreciated. Nechama stated that “experiencing the community’s unity in supporting our brothers and sisters in Israel was deeply moving. Despite it being over three months since October 7, Sunday’s event underscores its constant presence in our collective hearts and minds. It was truly an honor to be a part of.”
Rabbi David Tawil reflected, “Acts of loving-kindness are the bedrock of Jewish life. In times of need, we step up to help ease the pain of others. The DSN Family Hesed Day was a true display of family kindness towards those whose families have been decimated. It reminded us all that we are all one family.”
All ages and generations of our community came together at the DSN Beach Club, to show compassion, unity, and support, with a shared hope for the safe and swift return of hostages. As DSN’s Board Director Victoria Sutton noted, “Baruch Hashem, Hesed was forefront the entire day. The Family Day of Hesed at DSN Beach Club, was certainly that. It was an inspiring event. Our community and the people of Israel are unified, and strong.” When the day concluded, the resounding message was clear — Am Israel Chai!
