Unforgettable Torah Dedication Marks the End of Summer at LifeTown
The end of summer is always signaled by cooler temperatures and the looming first day of school. But before children get back to schedules and homework, they say goodbye to cherished camp friends. This year’s goodbye was made even sweeter by a moving Torah dedication ceremony.
On Thursday, August 22nd, Friendship Circle wrapped up a memorable four weeks of camp. Campers spent their days swimming, playing sports, jumping at the indoor playground, and most importantly laughing with old and new friends.
“The kids’ favorite part of camp is running around with their friends at the indoor playground, the pool, and enjoying everything at LifeTown,” said Laura Missonellie, who has worked at camp since it opened.
“Camp is where every child shines in their own way,” said Chavi Rosenblum, Friendship Circle’s Program Director. “It’s the smiles on their faces, the joy that fills their hearts, and the friendships they build with our volunteers that makes camp memorable.”
And it’s not only the kids who enjoy all that camp has to offer. The volunteers also have fun while gaining sense of pride and responsibility.
“The volunteers learn to appreciate that every person is an individual who just needs friends and a fun time,” said Esther Stock, a long-time Friendship Circle volunteer. “That’s what Friendship Circle is really about.”
This year, Friendship Circle marked the end of camp with a very special Torah dedication. The lively and joyful ceremony began with music and singing as the Torah was marched under a beautiful Chuppah through LifeTown. Some campers were even granted the honor of carrying the smaller size Torah while dancing through the LifeTown street and Shoppes.
Everyone celebrated the arrival of new blessings, but also recognized the symbolic meaning behind the ceremony. The Torah was dedicated by Friendship Circle supporters, Darbie and Robert Rabinowitz and family in loving memory of three dear uncles who perished in the Shoah.
“The Torah was written in memory of my two uncles that were killed in the Holocaust when they were children and my wife had an uncle who was also killed as a child,” said Robert Rabinowitz. “We did this to continue their memory because they didn’t have children to remember them.”
Everyone at Friendship Circle understands the importance of keeping memories alive. As August winds down, summer leaves behind a trail of sweet moments to hold close as the new school year begins. This summer at LifeTown was action-packed, carefree, and most of all, filled with friends creating special memories to last a lifetime.
