Three hundred parents and guest filled the Bal Harbour ballroom for the CHAP Annual Dinner on Monday, June 1. Participants were delighted as children ages 5-12 opened up the event with song and dance, setting the mood for an evening to remember.
CHAP is a daily Judaic-based after-school program that has grown over the past eight years into a world-class institution. It is especially appreciated by single parents and by families where both parents work. CHAP creates a way for parents to feel confident that their children are safe and happy and in a good environment.
Program director Rabbi Moishe Kievman notes that the local public schools from elementary to high school are covered by this service, which provides affordable and effective Jewish education as well as a variety of stimulating and enjoyable activities.
Layah Kievman, who co-directs with her husband, says that “The goal of our program is to instill in each student a love for life. To wake up each day and say, ‘Thank God, what a beautiful world. Today will be the best day ever.’ CHAP is the only program of its kind in the area, and we hope to get the message across to every Jewish parent.”
This year’s dinner featured a simultaneous children’s dinner. The kids played laser tag and had loads of fun while the adults enjoyed renowned mentalist Guy Bavli, who had the crowd sitting at the edge of their seats.
Rabbi Sholom Lipskar, spiritual leader of The Shul of Bal Harbour, expressed the value and tremendous need for CHAP. “It is the most vital Jewish organization for our generation” said Rabbi Lipskar. “For many children, Chabad’s program is their only connection to their Jewish roots.”
To date, over 700 children and 500 families have enjoyed the program. Dozens of bar and bat mitzvahs have been coordinated. CHAP offers several tracks. A five-day track that includes Hebrew, Jewish holidays, art, ceramics, drama, music, tikkun olam, homework help, and a Wednesday-only program that focuses on Hebrew and holidays.
CHAP is run by Chabad Chayil in Highland Lakes, FL. To learn more or to find out if there’s a program in a school near you, call (305) 770-1919 or visit www.HebrewSchool.info.