Mitzvah Project Makes a Splash
For twins, Benji and Hannah Lazer, choosing a mitzvah project for their B’nai Mitzvah year was easy. Benji, a 13-year-old with cerebral palsy, has been a long-time Friendship Circle participant, enjoying Sunday Torah Circle and many special events. His sister Hannah has volunteered for years, helping out at the Friendship Circle camps.
“We’ve been involved with LifeTown for many years and this place is just incredible,” said Lauren Jacobs-Lazer, mother to Benji and Hannah. “This place is our second home. We’re so comfortable here because it’s made for families like ours. We don’t have to explain things and it’s just very natural. There’s so much to do here.”
The twin’s grandparents, Ilene and Dr. Bruce Jacobs, were integral supporters of the LifeTown pool’s construction. When it came time for the twins to choose a mitzvah project, they decided to raise money for an all-new sound system, infusing even more joy into the pool’s atmosphere. The project was aptly named Lazer Beats.
“It’s very special to see all the kids here enjoying themselves. There are kids who come here who are non-verbal who are going in the water and that’s so important to them,” said Ilene Jacobs.
On Sunday, March 29, the entire family celebrated with a fun-filled pool party. The morning was divided into boys and girls swim sessions. Laughter echoed through the air as kids of all abilities splashed in the zero-entry pool. After everyone worked up an appetite swimming, they were treated to a mouth-watering pizza lunch.
“This is an incredible sight,” said Ellen Lazer, grandmother to Benji and Hannah. “It’s joyous and it’s everything Benji and Hannah would like it to be. The pool is great and the music adds such a bonus.”
With the addition of upbeat music playing through the new sound system, every swim session now feels like a party. The music selection is endless and can be switched up instantaneously on a central iPad.
“LifeTown is so special because I remember this amazing building being built and I’ve been here for a really long time,” said Hannah Lazer.
Through their fundraising efforts, the twins added even more magic to LifeTown, bringing more joy to all who stop by for a swim.
