A leading Jewish international children's health organization will distribute "Seder in a Box" packages ahead of Passover to young patients being treated in hospitals across the United States.
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Chai Lifeline is a support network that provides social, emotional, and financial assistance to children with life-threatening and lifelong illnesses and their families through a variety of year-round programs and services.
"Pesach is a holiday that is centered heavily around the concept of family, particularly children. For that reason, we know that it is that much more challenging and isolating for those who are forced to spend the holiday in a hospital setting," CEO of Chai Lifeline Rabbi Simcha Scholar said. "If children and their caregivers can't be home for the seder, we want to bring the seder to them."
Chai Lifeline works with medical teams and social workers in dozens of hospitals around the US and the world to identify families in need and design the packages based on their specific requirements.
These needs can vary from dietary restrictions in response to the child's conditions, as well as those families who have specific kosher standards.
Included in the box are traditional elements of the Passover meal, such as matzah, grape juice, and Haggadahs, as well as magazines, books, and games so children and parents are able to best enjoy the holiday despite the obvious emotional and practical challenges.
Additional support to thousands of Chai Lifeline families around the country includes financial aid through the Evan Levy Fund to help cover holiday expenses, grocery gift cards, meals delivered to families, assistance with household chores, and holiday activities and events for children.
"Over the years, we have been blessed to hear countless reports from families who describe a Pesach seder alongside their child's hospital bed as a deeply moving experience," Scholar said. "We are encouraged to do everything possible to help as many families as we can with the hope that this will in some way speed up their child's recovery and add to their holiday joy."
Reprinted with permission from JNS.org.
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