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Watch
the Gala video!
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I am writing this letter on my laptop in Netanya, just after
returning from a wonderful evening celebrating with the ladies of Lev LaLev
in Israel. I wanted to make sure to share my experience with you right
away…
The gala bat mitzvah was held in a brand new hall in Netanya,
ours was the first event ever to be held there in fact!
The evening started off with an appetizer spread of salads and
bread and hot stations of chicken, meatballs, moroccan couscous, and
thai noodles. The 19 bat mitzvah girls from the Home where announced one by
one to take the stage in front of their adoring fans. Each girl
wore beautiful custom matching pale pink gowns, but
with their style added. Some gowns had sequins, other silk
rosettes, some had both. Each had their hair done
in gorgeous updos or styled in intricate ringlets. They
looked like princesses!
Then the 3 Lev LaLev bat mitzvah girls: Rachel Piontnica,
Sarina Hilowitz, and Jemma Lifschitz, who helped sponsor the gala as part
of their mitzvah projects, joined their new friends on stage too!
There was a special candle lighting ceremony where the girls
spoke in groups, after which each bat mitzvah girl received a gift
of a beautifully wrapped new siddur, and tehillim, each with a special
message written inside, from Rachel Piontnica.
 I spoke to the guests, and made sure to extend mazel tov
wishes on behalf of the entire Lev LaLev family from around the world. The
girls were so thankful! Many came up to me afterwards to say thank you in
person, and to pass on their thanks to you! They also wished a
mazel tov and gave a hug to the mitzvah project girls each time they walked
by them.
Next there was a musical performance and dance while the
guests ate the main course. No one went home hungry! With a first course of
fish and mashed potatoes, followed by rice and a choice of chicken or beef,
finished off by a dessert of sorbet and fruit.
The performances were so professional, and the costumes so expertly
made, you would have thought the girls had months, rather than the 10 days
they actually used to prepare; it never ceases to amaze me to see what these
girls can accomplish together!
 Then they played the most amazing video of all the girls at
the Home singing: "We are the world. We are the children," which
was recorded during their own private studio session, and video
footage showed the girls playing and laughing at the Home, and dancing
together along the beautiful shores of Netanya. It was such a beautiful film
and was a wonderful way to lead into the
joyous dancing that ensued.
The girls pulled everyone into the circle to join in
the enthusiastic dancing. Everyone was made to feel at home and
welcome, and all I could see was a sea of smiling faces as the bus pulled up
to bring the girls back to the Children’s Home, though I'm sure many were too
excited to sleep!
Thank you all so much for making this night possible, it was
such a special evening that I know I, and the girls are the Home, will always
treasure.
Mazel Tov!
Sheena
Levi
P.S. Please enjoy this video of photos and clips from the Bat
Mitzvah Gala. Is your name listed on it?
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Are
you helping your family prepare for the upcoming Passover holiday? It’s
starting on Monday night the 25th this year and perhaps you know someone
in your community who could use your help too. Perhaps they have young children
you could help watch. Perhaps you know an older person who could use some
assistance with the rigorous holiday preparations. Offer your services to help,
and if they want to pay you back, mention that you would appreciate it if they would
donate the money instead.
