For 3,600 years, Rachel’s Children

A history lesson was presented at Sunday’s annual commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Rachel imeinu, organized by Rachel’s Children Reclamation Foundation at the Manhattan Beach Jewish Center.

The keynote speaker, Rabbi Yosef Mizrachi, discussed “Roots and Redemption.” Dr. Alexander Gelman spoke about linking today’s Jews with their ancestors through the tracing of DNA.

IDF Sgt. David Haies gave a look at the life of an American turned Israeli soldier, and his experiences in the Gaza and Lebanon wars. Manhattan Beach Councilman Chaim Deutsch also spoke.

Rebbetzin Henny Machlis z”l was posthumously awarded the Rachel Imeinu Actualist honor, memorialized by her niece Esti Dershowitz. Robin Ticker, co-president of Brooklyn American Friends for a Safe Israel, accepted the Memorial Recognition Award for super-activist Charlotte Wahle z”l.

Writing contest winners Sarah Scop and Kayla Wolpin were presented the “Good Deeds Matter” award by Malky Grunwald, the 2007 Actualist awardee. The theme of the contest was the merits of Rachel Imeinu, remembered 3,600 years for her midos and morality.

Rabbi Yaakov Cohen was honored with the Breaking the Silence Award. Tanya Sarah Sheivester received the Young Leadership Award, presented by Tiferet Levy.

The evening was hosted by the organization’s founder and president, Evelyn Haies, and by Dr. Paul Brody, master of ceremonies. Chazan David Presler provided a musical interlude, singing Evelyn Haies’ latest song, Shira B’Shelach (Song of the Sea).

More info: rachelschildren@gmail.com