Two recent immigrants to Israel whose young daughter passed away from cancer last month are organizing a "Worldwide Sabbath of Kindness" in her memory and on behalf of other sick children, correspondent Michael Fruend reports.
Daniel and Halana Rosenfield, residents of Ramat Beit Shemesh whose 3-year old daughter Chana Liora succumbed to the disease on June 1, have decided to mark the end of the traditional 30-day mourning period by launching a global appeal for people to do special acts of kindness on this Saturday, the 14th of Tammuz 5764, July 3, 2004.
"The idea for this program," according to a press release, "was spurred by all of the acts of kindness, Torah study and charity that people took on as part of a worldwide effort on behalf of Chani… Congregations, summer camps, youth groups and individuals are being asked to pay special attention to doing acts of kindness as well initiate programs that help others do acts of kindness."
The Rosenfields are urging rabbis to devote their pulpit sermons that week to the importance of helping others, and are hoping that the Sabbath of Kindness will encourage people to undertake various activities such as arranging local hospital visits to the sick, sending cards to American and Israeli soldiers, helping home-bound elderly people with their shopping, running toy drives for sick children, and providing help to families in need.
Local coordinators in New York, Toronto and Israel have already signed up to promote the program in their home communities, and the Rosenfields are looking for volunteers to expand the initiative to other locales.
"Chani inspired people around the world to greater heights in prayer, chessed and unity," the Rosenfields said, adding that, "the world is a wondrous place, and you never know the impact of your actions."
For more information, visit www.chanaliora.com or e-mail Daniel Rosenfield at: Daniel.rosenfield@mamash.com.
Daniel and Halana Rosenfield, residents of Ramat Beit Shemesh whose 3-year old daughter Chana Liora succumbed to the disease on June 1, have decided to mark the end of the traditional 30-day mourning period by launching a global appeal for people to do special acts of kindness on this Saturday, the 14th of Tammuz 5764, July 3, 2004.
"The idea for this program," according to a press release, "was spurred by all of the acts of kindness, Torah study and charity that people took on as part of a worldwide effort on behalf of Chani… Congregations, summer camps, youth groups and individuals are being asked to pay special attention to doing acts of kindness as well initiate programs that help others do acts of kindness."
The Rosenfields are urging rabbis to devote their pulpit sermons that week to the importance of helping others, and are hoping that the Sabbath of Kindness will encourage people to undertake various activities such as arranging local hospital visits to the sick, sending cards to American and Israeli soldiers, helping home-bound elderly people with their shopping, running toy drives for sick children, and providing help to families in need.
Local coordinators in New York, Toronto and Israel have already signed up to promote the program in their home communities, and the Rosenfields are looking for volunteers to expand the initiative to other locales.
"Chani inspired people around the world to greater heights in prayer, chessed and unity," the Rosenfields said, adding that, "the world is a wondrous place, and you never know the impact of your actions."
For more information, visit www.chanaliora.com or e-mail Daniel Rosenfield at: Daniel.rosenfield@mamash.com.