Letter to the Editor 12-25-09

Thanks for Chanukah

To the Editor:

I am writing this letter on behalf of the residents at Woodmere Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. I would like to extend great appreciation to the many individuals, groups, schools and organizations that have been so kind as to share their Chanukah spirit and joy with our residents. Having community members come here to sing, dance, light Chanukah candles, party and celebrate with us tremendously enhances the holiday experience for the residents of this facility. I cannot thank you enough or tell you how much it is appreciated.

Among the many who visited during the week were, Kulanu, The Morgenstern School, Shulamith, HAFTR, DRS, SKA, Yeshiva of South Shore, Forestview Senior Citizen Center, The National Council of Jewish Woman and The Rothman Family.

Special mention and “hakarat hatov” (recognition and appreciation) goes to the lovely young ladies from SKA High School, Aviva Kopolovitz, Aviva Mansbach, Rebecca Bari, Atara Friedman, Lani Stahler Jessica Wernick, Ayelet Lerman, Shira Gunsberg, Rachel Simon and their teacher Jaclyn Sova who came to join our Chanukah entertainment, presented by Zvi Lampert of Rikud Orchestra Singers, and Jerry Markovitch. Thank you to Mrs. Yaffa Storch for coordinating.

Special mention and hakarat hatov goes to the outstanding young men from DRS High School who came each night to light the Chanukah candles, sing, dance and share stories for the residents: Mark Bryk, Aryeh Mazel, Shimmy Hirsch, Ben Frager, Benjamin Pianko, Binyamin Zwicker, Daniel Katz and Zachy Adler. Thank you to Rabbi Eli Brazil for coordinating.

And of course I thank any others who I may have inadvertently omitted to name. It is very gratifying for me to live and work in the Five Towns community, which gives so much in so many ways to so many people.

Leba Sonneberg

Woodmere Rehabilitation and Health Care Center