Bal Harbour Girls Learn Chesed

Every other week for the past year, the Shul of Bal Harbour Charitables (pre-tween girls) and Ahavatars (Tween girls) have been getting together for a meaningful program filled with exciting activities.

Throughout the course of the year, under the guidance of their counselors Batsheva Katz and Bashy Klyne, the girls have learned about many important concepts in Judaism which they were able to put into practice through interactive activities. But the focus wasn’t just on themselves: they learned that the only way to know that one has integrated a concept is when they are able to teach it to another person. And so Mitvtzoim and Ahavas Yisroel were always a big part of the program.

They learned about the meaning of Tznius and the way it affects people with a thought-provoking debate, and designed their own sweatshirts. They learned about the beauty of Shabbos and decorated their own candlesticks. But they also took this opportunity to deliver Shabbos Candles to the many Jews they met in the mall as well as some of their own neighbors. When they learned about the importance of Joy, which helps us break through all barriers and go higher and higher, they planted flowers that grow taller with each passing day.

One of the main concepts the girls explore in depth is the importance of Ahavas Yisroel. They learned that no matter how different two people may be, we all are the children of the same One G-d, and we must therefore respect one another. Besides for the many activities centered around this theme, the girls had many opportunities to practice.

But last night was the icing on the cake. For a few weeks already, the girls have been working on a special project: making personalized camp packages for children who suffer or have suffered from serious illnesses. Besides for making blankets and pillows on their own, they have been getting them all kinds of items they could enjoy while in sleep away camp: toiletries, nice notepads and pencils, fun games, delicious treats, all of it beautifully wrapped and with a personal message attached to it.

Yesterday, a special evening was organized for the girls to give out the packages they prepared with so much love. When children from all walks of life walked into the Shul with their families, they received such a warm welcome from the girls. Seeing all of them mingle together around fun games and activities was a beautiful demonstration of Ahavas Yisroel. Within minutes, children who had never met each other before were playing together like one big happy family. And when the time came for the packages to be given out, it was the most beautiful scene: the girls were beaming with pride as the children’s eyes lit up with excitement, and the parents were deeply moved. A real Kiddush Hashem.