Students and teachers of Lubavitch Educational Center gathered together this past week for the opening of a new, long-awaited $750,000 outdoor recreational space at the Beit Apel – Shaulson Campus Chaya Mushka in Miami, Florida.
“We’re really excited to have brand-new, state-of-the-art equipment,” says LEC’s Dean, Rabbi Benzion Korf. “Our girls now have a wonderful space where they can run around, play, and exercise so they can focus on their studies with renewed energy.”
The grounds, which span the length of the campus, include a new playground, a 6,050 sq. ft. soccer field, a 1,260 sq. ft. volleyball court and a basketball court for the 750 students in the girls elementary, middle, and high schools. “Until now, the place was covered in gravel,” says Rochel Katan, a freshman at Bais Chana High School, “now we have a designated place for serious sports and more organized games.”
Kayla Anavim, a sophomore in Bais Chana High School, whose parents Eyal and Leah Anavim sponsored the new volleyball court, spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This playground will be a classroom, a place to bring to life the lessons we learn in class,” she said.
The soccer field was sponsored by the Leticia & Eduardo Azar Foundation in honor of the victims of the horrific attack on Eretz Yisroel and in the merit of the soldiers protecting the land.
“Our girls are our future,” says Eyal Anavim, “they deserve only the best!” He says he hopes the emphasis on play and fun will inspire them to ensure a quality Jewish education for their own future children. “Look at how happy they are,” said Avi Shaulson, long-time LEC donor, motioning to the blur of girls excitedly exploring their new playground.
“A healthy body helps make a healthy soul,” says Korf.
