Intergeneration Day at HALB’s Lev Chana

Intergeneration Day is an amazing, much beloved program that takes place annually at HALB Lev Chana Early Childhood Center.

When the call goes out to grandparents and great-grandparents to assemble in the SKA gym, many respond, some coming from as far away as Israel, Los Angeles and Pittsburgh, joining those close by in Woodmere and Hewlett. They shep nachas as they watch and listen raptly as their treasures, HALB’s Lev Chana kindergarteners, perform a medley of songs. They join their grandchildren at various centers in creating beautiful memories to take home.

The children smile widely and wave happily as they spot their beloved grandparents, while the grandparents wave back and zip out their smart phones in anticipation of the childrens’ performances. Family portraits taken in front of a beautiful colorful  backdrop created by the kindergarteners, are eagerly waited for by grandparents as they check their mail for the special manila envelope with the familiar Lev Chana return address.

Mrs. Joyce Weiss, Ariella Melohn’s grandmother who flew in from warm and sunny Los Angeles, commented that “as a teacher I have done grandparent’s day. Today was calm, relaxed, no pressure and we enjoyed every moment of it. Thank you for inviting us!”

Sammy Butler’s grandmother, Nina Butler, a principal in a day school,  drove in from Pittsburgh to spend an hour with her grandson to create “priceless jewelry, family trees and enjoy a musical presentation.”

Max Karkowsky’s grandfather, Irving Goldfinger, succinctly summed up the sentiments of many there when he said, “Ï have been a HALB parent and grandparent for 35 years. I just want to say thank you to the HALB yeshiva for doing such a great job. My older kids, who are now grown and who have their own children, are doing fantastic. I want to thank the HALB family for making them into the men they are today.”