Our Update # 21
A SIMCHA IN DROR
The Dror family recently celebrated the wedding of the daughter of our dedicated leader, Rabbi Chaim Hersh Freund. In attendance were countless Askunim and Rabbanim from far and wide who have worked hand in hand with Chaim Hersh on loads of cases. A special guest, Mendy Sudekevitch, flew in for a couple of hours from as far away as Japan to join in his Simcha!! The tremendous Hakaras Hatov that everyone has to him was clearly visible by the numerous former Dror recipients who attended to show their appreciation for all he has done for them.
The highlight of the Simcha was a beautiful Sheva Brochos hosted by our esteemed board member, Yidel Lichtenstein, in an upscale restaurant. Askunim and Dror volunteers participated in this beautiful Simcha. Thank you to AJ Greenwald, Ari Abromowitz and Nachman Goldring from our Shabbaton entertainment team for being Misameach everyone.
LEGAL TEAM
Councilman Greenfield and the leaders of Dror met with NYC Department of Corrections Commissioner Joseph Ponte to address ongoing religious issues many frum inmates have faced while in the custody of the New York City prison system. DOC committed to examining and addressing the issues raised by the Councilman andDror. DOC will review its process by which inmates can request and receive kosher food to ensure that no inmate is left without religiously appropriate food for long. Additionally DOC committed to working with members of Drorto enable them to bring tefillin and other essential religious articles into prisons for any inmates in need. The Commissioner was receptive and understanding and suggested several action plans to implement changes right away.
VOLUNTEERS
Our dedicated volunteers, who so graciously drive family members to visit their loved ones in prison, each received a token of appreciation for their tireless work. In addition, beautiful brochures were distributed which give guidance, assistance and necessary advice for those who come in contact with prisoners and their families.
REICHER INITIATIVE-KOLLEL M’HARAM M’ROTTENBERG
On December 11th, Klal Yisroel joined in a beautiful event in support of our Kollel program. Prominent Rabbanim and Askanim graced us with their presence. The community’s support will enable us to further pursue the program and integrate it in the prison system. The event, as well as the Kollel Program in general, is dedicated in memory of Professor Moshe Tzvi Reicher, z”l. Time and again Professor Reicher went above and beyond the call of duty on behalf of Dror, the inmates we serve and Kollel M’haram M’Rottenberg—filing briefs and legal documents with the highest echelons of the justice and corrections departments.
We were honored to have Rabbi Abe Kis as the event MC. Heartwarming words were heard from our esteemed Ruv, Rabbi Ephraim Steinshlit”a as well as the Spinka Rabbi Shlit”a. A personal experience was shared by a special guest, after which a siyum was made by Rabbi Shea Rubin, Rav of Bobov 45.
SHABBATON 2015
Words cannot adequately describe the wonderful weekend the Dror family experienced in the Dolce Basking Ridge Hotel!!! What an unbelievable and amazing Shabbaton!!!
From the moment the families stepped off the bus Friday morning until they boarded the bus Sunday morning, every second was packed with entertainment and inspiration. Most importantly, the feeling of togetherness and warmth was palpable everywhere.
Upon entering the hotel, the music, Disney characters, welcoming committees and the gorgeous and luxurious hotel that greeted the families, set the tone for the entire stay.
Personalized gift packages awaited each family in their room. Mothers, teenagers, children and even babies each received an individual package with valuable gifts personalized with their name, including Johan Eric watches, Pastel Pajamas, messenger bags, stamps, jewelry, Siddurim and the list goes on and on…… This is aside from the loads of toys and gifts that were handed out to the children throughout the weekend! Thank you to our generous sponsors for these wonderful gifts: Mayer Fischel, Toys 4 U, YY Glick, Spitzer/Pastels,Pin Pretty, Lazer Ausch, Yitzchok Spira & Sam Friedman/Gevril Watches.
The children were instantly taken by their counselors to “Magic Kingdom” where photos were taken of each child and they were treated to fun and exciting Arts & Crafts projects. In addition, the boys’ aqua activities in the pool got them splashed up and geared up for the weekend ahead! …….and from then and on the children were in the complete care of the counselors who entertained them throughout the entire Shabbos with thrilling activities, plays and fun, which made them feel happy and special while giving the women a much needed break. An abundance of gratitude is due to the coordinators of the children’s’ program – Mrs. Davidowitz, her daughters and counselors, A.J. Greenwald, Niki, Ari Abromowitz, Nachman Goldring , Zevi Goldring, and staff.
After Lecht benchen, the women and girls were welcomed by heartwarming words from Mrs. Brenda Ketina, while the boys enjoyed a beautiful Kabalos Shabbos with Kuppy Elbogen accompanied by the Meshoririm choir.
The meal that followed was an unforgettable experience, as the voices from world renowned speakers Charley Harary and Dr. David Pelkowitz and the beautiful Zemiros by the Mishoririm Choir penetrated the air.
A special Thank You to Chaim Hersh & Yosef Leib Kaufman from Aperion Catering for the gourmet and mouthwatering meals throughout the Shabbos.
Thanks to our kitchen manager, Lazer Neuhaus, for a super job and Gershy Doppelt fromStems for the beautiful decor.
The program went well into the wee hours of the night as the women shared experiences and received sound advice at a roundtable discussion with Dr. Pelkovitz, the girls enjoyed their roundtable, activities and comical experience with Mrs. Brenda Ketina while the boys had an amazing roundtable with Rabbi Motty Zeiger. After which everyone gathered once again for an Oneg with a delectable Viennese and Kumzitz with the Mishoririm choir.
Shabbos morning everyone awoke to a new fun filled packed day. No one was prepared for the incredible day ahead…. A beautiful Kiddush, a motivational and remarkable keynote speech by Charley Harary, a scrumptious meal, incredible words by Rabbi Motty Zeiger, comedy performance by Mrs. Kraus & Ungarisherand no time for an afternoon nap!
Motzei Shabbos: Shabbos ended and yet the fun was just beginning. The Carlebach style Havdalah with the Mishoririm choir and music moved everyone to tears. World’s foremost Mentalist Marc Garfinkel left adults and children mystified by his incredible illusions. An amazing film and refreshing pool was truly enjoyed by all women and girls.
“The Miron Experience” Melava Malka: Family Portraits at the model Tzion of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai added a special touch to the closing of the weekend.
A scrumptious and tasty meal was served, thanks to Kalman Fischer.
A special thanks to Surprise Superstar singers Shmueli Ungar and Shimmy Engel, theMeshoririm choir and musicians Naftali Schnitzler and Zevi Goldring for rocking the place and making everyone feel like they were truly in Miron.
The amazing feeling of unity and the Simcha which was felt in the air during the singing and dancing is indescribable. At the closing of the Melavah Malkah, the Rubashkinfamily, in the name of all the Dror families, presented the Dror Staff with a token of appreciation to express their warmest feelings of gratitude towardsDror for all that Dror does for them.
To sum it all up, it was an incredible experience at which the families spent time with others in similar situations as them, they talked, laughed, shared and bonded. These bonds are forged here and maintained for years!
Dror is grateful to all the speakers, singers, musicians, and entertainers who contributed so much to making the Shabbaton the smashing success that it was. Last but not least, a resounding Thank You to Mr. Shloime Torn and family for making this Shabbaton possible with your generous sponsorship! We couldn’t have done it without you!!!!
Perhaps the best way to convey the feelings of the participants is to hear it directly from them:
Thank you so much for the beautiful Shabbos weekend you provided for my daughter and me and so many more families. I can’t even imagine the countless hours and work that went into planning the event and making it a reality. Everything – the hotel, transportation, registration, food, entertainment, speakers, gifts, babysitting, and on and on, were exceptional. Everyone could see how much care and consideration was put into it, and feel the warmth and kindness of the people involved. The tzedakah and chessed of this organization is remarkable B’H.
I greatly appreciated the opportunity to spend time with women who were experiencing the same feelings that I have and who share the same concerns. I came away with greater Emunah and Bitachon as the result of speaking to inspirational women such as Mrs. ___ and Mrs. ___. I have a deeper appreciation of Kedushas Shabbos as the result of hearing such beautiful davening and nigunim and observing people who are so ehrlich. I received good, solid advice from Dr. Pelcovitz about how to navigate shidduchim for my daughters, and I heard speeches that encourage me to hold my head up and put a smile on my face.
You greatly succeeded in your mission to make families such as mine happier and more able to cope with the situation – and you accomplished even more than you can imagine. I am so very grateful. Thank you so much and Tizku L’Mitzvos.
Sincerely,
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Hello. BH we made it home safely. I just wanted to tell you how this Shabbos was mamish a very special and beautiful experience. It’s such a great opportunity to get a boost and a recharge and network and just relax a little. So thank you SO much for the tremendous job you did. For all the things we saw and the many more things we don’t even know about. Every detail was attended to. The presents were great. The Tehillim, the hair iron and bag for P___ were perfect! C____’s Siddur and stamp he’s excited about, and the scarf for me that I really needed, all things that will be used and enjoyed. The pajamas were all good sizes for the kids and the peckalach for the rooms were a great touch. Like I said, there’s so much more I’m leaving out, but I just wanted to say thanks again!!!!
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What an experience this past Shabbat was for our family, thank you!
Bh, we all enjoyed it very much, and each took something away from it that will BZH stay with us .
One of my sons even met someone who could bzh, make a good business connection for him.
Would you know who ____ is ? If yes, how can ____contact him?
My daughter, who you know was very reluctant, is still talking about the details of the weekend, and is awed at the generous gifts she received.
Although we have many different customs, the spirit of Shabbat was uplifting.
Your team must have been planning for months! Please convey our sincere gratitude to all who are involved.
No detail was forgotten.
It is my deepest prayer that Dror should have no reason to exist , but until that happens, may Hashem give you all the strength, ability and true ahavat Israel to continue your selfless work!
THANK YOU !!!!
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What a special unbelievable amazing Shabbos! There really are no words! Thank you so so very much!! Hopefully we can get together and now that I’m here when things calm down and you recuperate can you email me a list I want to invite families for Shabbos. We all need to do our part. You guys are a real inspiration!!
_____________________________________________________________________________________Hi! This Shabbos was the best Shabbos! So much fun and I got to know a lot of new girls. I’m so happy that I didn’t go with my school because I would have regretted not going here. I’m so happy I came! Thank you!!! Thank you very much!!!!!!!!!!
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Thanks again. It was truly amazing! The gifts were so appropriate for the kids. Amazing how much thought went into that and everything. I must come next year with my husband to show him what its all about cause he can’t believe that everything I’m describing can be true!
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There is no way that anyone can experience or possibly describe the feeling of Simcha I experienced. Nothing could’ve prepared me for this and I don’t think there’s a word even to express this feeling!!
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Hi. I am still speechless the way Dror conducted the shabbos. There wasn’t one face without a smile. The guest speakers were magnificent. The entire shabbos. If I have to give it a rating. It was a 5 star. Hashem should give you koyoch to go on forever with your Avodas Hakodash.
Y.L.
MAZEL TOV
Mazel Tov to our esteemed Ruv, Rabbi Stein, upon the birth of his grandchildren.
Mazel Tov to Mr. and Mrs. Nuchem Ornstein upon their son’s upsherin.
Mazel Tov to Avrohom Meir Schwartz upon his son’s Bar mitzvah.
Mazel Tov to Yoel Usher Labin upon the birth of his baby boy.
Mazel Tov to Aron Mayer, from our Lakewood Askunim, upon the birth of his baby boy.
Mazel Tov to YY Glick upon the birth of his baby girl.
Mazel Tov to Lazer Neuhaus upon the engagement of his daughter.