By Chanita Teitz
Déjà vu; holding my newest grandson, I have a strong sense of having done this before with other grandchildren, but even more so, I feel nostalgic, remembering my own children as babies, especially as I hold him and see the striking resemblance to my daughter, his mother. I’m sure that others might see other resemblances, and as he gets older his look may change, but right now I feel like I know this face.
For nine months it takes a lot of faith to believe that a life is growing unseen. And when the infant emerges, this spiritual purity of faith changes to a tangible, physical reality. Having a baby links you to past generations as it affirms one’s faith in the future.
During the Jewish slavery in Egypt, Amram, the leader of the Jews in Egypt, divorced his wife in order not to bring children into a world where Jewish baby boys were being drowned in the Nile. The other men followed his lead and divorced their wives. It was Miriam who told Amram, her father, that Pharaoh decreed only against the boys but Amram was decreeing also against the girls, and the entire future of the Jewish nation would be jeopardized. So he and the other men remarried their wives, and Moshe, our greatest prophet, was born.
In the ghettos of Europe during centuries of pogroms and during the Holocaust, babies were born. In Israel today, while missiles fly, babies are born. We have faith in our future.
The future of the Jewish nation in Israel depends on Hashem’s watchful eye, but also on who will win the election and lead the country. Labor and other left-wing parties are prepared to give concessions to the Arabs by retreating to pre-1967 lines and, just like in Egypt, they will be jeopardizing the future of the entire nation.
If we have faith that Hashem will protect us, then we must show Him that we will protect His country, Israel. As I write this column, the results are not in yet; I pray that the Israelis voted for a Jewish future in all of EretzYisrael.
Shevach News
Prior to Purim, several groups of Shevach students went to local nursing homes to deliver mishloachmanos and infuse the residents with the spirit of Purim. Fortunately for all, they were not prevented by snow, as were some of those who were planning to go on Purim itself. On Wednesday, Taanis Esther, six Shevach girls spent an enjoyable afternoon at the Boulevard Alp. Avigayil Landau and Batsheva Twersky described their rewarding experience.
“We went into the nursing home hesitantly, unsure of what to expect. As we spoke to all the people, we realized how much of an impact our visit made. Not only was it special for the residents to get visitors, their happiness was contagious, and we enjoyed their company as much they appreciated ours. We loved making them smile and brightening their day. Our visit took them out of their daily routines, giving them a pleasant experience and a treat. They all got a kick out of our costumes, playing along, and asking us jokingly what we were.
“Talking with the individual residents left us inspired. They all had something to share with us, whether it was a story from their past or a cute riddle to make us laugh. Their stories opened up our eyes to the Yad Hashem in our daily lives just as they were used to noticing that guiding Hand. No matter where the residents came from, the same joy radiated on their faces when we wished them a happy Purim. We were so captivated by their company that before we knew it, we had been there almost two hours. It was hard for us to leave and take a pause from the newly built relationships. We promised to return again soon. As we left, we all agreed that this new opportunity to make people happy should become a routine. We went in thinking this would be nothing more than a new chesed job, but we left with so much more than we gave.”
On Purim day, although the Shevach students who had planned on visiting nursing homes were stuck at home, nursing-home residents were not disappointed, thanks to Shevach teacher Mrs. Yali Rosenberg and Shevach alumna Mrs. Batzion (Massi) Brody. The Franklin nursing home was visited by the Rosenberg family, as the little children brought smiles to everyone’s faces. In Kew Gardens, the Atria and the Homestead were both treated to a visit from the Brody family, whose baby brought Purim cheer to all the residents. As Mrs. Brody stated, “I started coming here on Purim when I was a Shevach student, and I will not give it up! This is the true spirit of Purim that I hope to impart to my children.”
Upcoming Events
Echo Institute for Health, Queens Tea. Tuesday, April 28, 8:00 p.m., featuring an inspirational presentation by Mrs. Yehudis Meira Chervony. More details to follow.
Annual Ladies’ Night Out Mikveh Event. Wednesday, April 29 at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills. Guest speaker Rabbi Eli Mansour. Lavish desserts, raffles, and new and exciting vendors! v
Chanita Teitz is a real-estate broker at Astor Brokerage in Kew Gardens Hills, serving the entire Queens vicinity. For all your real-estate needs, call her at 718-263-4500 or e-mail chanita@astorbrokerage.com.