Marvelous Mensch

Rabbi Yaakov & Shulamit Nerenberg

Boynton Beach

A Florida Rabbi was pondering on where he could contribute charity that would make a difference in a Jewish life. Browsing online, Rabbi Yaakov Nerenberg of Temple B'nai Or of S. Florida, Delray Beach and Boca Raton, discovered the Levlalev site, and that's when he knew he found the right place and the right cause.

He told his wife Sherry (Shulamit) that he found a Children's Home in Israel that merits their benevolence - the Rubin-Zeffren Children's Home in Kiryat Sanz - Netanya, a residence that deeply cares for each and every girl living under its roof.

This past fall, the Rabbi planned a 12-day visit to Israel as a gift for his wife's birthday. It would be her very first trip to the holy land - and the Rabbi's 20th!!! Another couple - dear friends, Mr. and Mrs. Alan Kvares, would join the Nerenbergs on their sojourn.

Anyone who's been to Israel knows that 12 days is a short time to see the country's sights - but the Florida couples jam-packed each day with biblical sightseeing - traversing the land of Israel's four corners. All along, Rabbi Nerenberg had intensions of visiting the Children's Home - it was an important part of his visit, and his friends, the Kvareses, were happy to join them.

But, the Nerenbergs' friends, Alan and Elisa Kvares, were quite interested in visiting the Home and the girls. So, this past November, as the friends toured Israel, the Rabbi contacted the Home and introduced himself and was heartily invited to come and visit. And so, the four Florida residents arrived in Netanya in their rental car - just in time for a celebration.

Rabbi Nerenberg vividly recalls the atmosphere he encountered at the Home? it was festive, yet there was no Jewish holiday. In moments he realized that the festivity was a birthday celebration for one of the residents - Chedva Maytal*.

Rabbi Nerenberg describes the ambiance - "The room was decorated and the tables were set. Music was playing and girls were dancing, hugging, enjoying each other's company." He continued, "Each girl's place setting included a small paper cup filled with about a dozen potato chips, a drink, a small pile of pretzel twists and a home baked brownie with a birthday candle in its center." The Rabbi also said, "The happiness on the girls faces was amazing. You should have seen (them), getting those goodies - it was like you gave them gold!" Rabbi Nerenberg was enthralled by this scenario and added, "I looked at these girls' faces and their pure joy - they were like a big family of sisters, and I said to myself, ?where am I? This was just out of sight - too much?"

The Rabbi also lauded Mrs. Bracha Runes, Levlalev's Program Director, for her visible dedication and love of each girl - whom she treats, not as charges, but as her own children.

Sherry Nerenberg tells her account of the visit to the Home as they just ?happened' upon a birthday celebration. She fondly recalls and relates the following: "The table was filled with nosherei and there was a birthday cake. The girls were singing and dancing - I was just overjoyed taking this all in and watching them celebrate." Sherry continued by saying, "We were introduced to the birthday girl, Chedva Maytal and although there was a language barrier - we were able to express ourselves in other ways - (one Jewish heart to another) sharing love and affection, which we received right back." Sherry Nerenberg related that a staff member at the Home acted as an interpreter and translated all the girls' exciting remarks and comments.

Reflecting on her visit, Mrs. Nerenberg explained that in all her life she had not been exposed to orphans? yet the experience gave her great gratification as she noted that the girls were not lacking anything in their lives - that they were properly cared for with love and affection. She continued by saying, "Their smiles were just phenomenal!" and continued reminiscing about her visit and one it's high points - being surrounded by all the girls who attended the party who collectively gave her warm hugs and kisses. Sherry also tells us that a biological member of Chedva's family was present at her birthday party and thanked Sherry for her family's generosity. Since Sherry did not expect to attend this celebration, she did not have an opportunity to purchase a gift for the birthday girl - what to do? Being so emotionally moved by this celebration and the warm and loving atmosphere between the girls, Sherry removed her brand new travel watch from her wrist and presented it to Chedva. Sherry is already planning to bring gifts for ALL the girls on her next trip to Israel!

Next, Levlalev Program Director, Bracha Runes took the Nerenbergs and the Kvareses on a tour of the home and also showed them a recent Rubin-Zeffren Children's Home video. Sherry commented how initially, she was surprised to learn that there are familial/social problems in Israel. But, after her visit to the Home, was confident, that these girls are being placed on the right track for their future. And, when Mrs. Nerenberg learned that the Home makes sure that the girls receive higher education and that many young women become degreed in nursing, teaching, computer related professions including graphic art and fashion design. She was utterly flabbergasted to learn that the girls are cared for until they are ready to set up their own homes. Bearing these facts in mind, Sherry said she believes that as a result of their upbringing at the Home, these girls are properly prepared to lead full and fruitful lives.

Reminiscing on her trip to Israel, from the ancient city of Caesarea to the modern gulf resort of Eilat, Sherry Nerenberg was astounded at the show of unity amongst the Israeli people and specifically holds dear to her, the emotionally charged visit at the Children's Home - seeing this solidarity and wholeness between the girls, their peers, the staff and volunteers.

Rabbi Yaakov and Sherry Nerenberg are planning to conduct a group tour in 2009 - and will seek permission to bring the members of the tour to visit the Home.

Not only did this visit to the Rubin-Zeffren Children's Home leave an indelible mark in the Nerenbergs' memory, but also their friends, Alan and Elisa Kvares, were also amazingly impressed. Alan Kvares exclaimed, "I had a really wonderful experience at the Home." He added, "I was once involved in trying to start a non-profit program for foster kids in the U.S. - so naturally I was interested to see the Home's operation." He continued saying how pleased he and his wife were by seeing firsthand the warm and nurturing ambiance that they observed with their own eyes.

As a businessman and entrepreneur, Mr. Kvares noted that the Rubin-Zeffren Children's Home is a well-organized entity that keeps a tight budget. He jokingly noted that he did not see any BMers (BMWs) parked in front of the Home, nor does he imagine that any of the administrators are being paid six-figure incomes (positively NOT - we can attest to that!) Alan was sure that, from an economic standpoint, donated monies are not wasted- but they are going to where they belong - "since there are no middlemen (agencies) involved."

The girls, the staff, the administration, the LevlaLev Fund all wish to thank the Nerenbergs for their continued and unwavering support, for disseminating the Home's message to their Community - to their friends - and to Klal Yisrael.
May Hashem bless him and his entire family and friends with a long and healthy life.

*To protect her privacy, we have changed the birthday girl's name.