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Passover Review
Passover Review
The preparations leading up to the Holiday included preparing home cooked meals with chicken and meat for the entire Holiday, which was generously donated by Yashar Lachayal. Thousands of Matzahs were donated by Or Lachayal, which really made a tremendous difference to the lone soldiers; to have handmade Shmura Matzah.
To start off the holiday Chayal el Chayal gave Passover Seder Packages to Lone Soldiers in the IDF Chemical Warfare Unit. The packages were made possible by the parents and students of the Charlotte Jewish Day School. We had two beautiful Seders which gave lone soldiers a homey environment, between having a chance to ask the four questions, dozing off on the couch and eating some homemade Passover chicken soup.
Throughout the week of Chol Hamoed every day was another event. Sunday was a beautiful BBQ, where the soldiers got a delicious dinner as well as a fun environment. Monday was the extreme hike to Nahal Darga where the soldiers had to go repelling, and swimming to get through the trail. On Tuesday there was a camping trip up North in the Golan Heights. Wednesday was a ‘Smoothie and Shakes’ event which was only made possible thanks to the excellent skills of one of our lone soldiers, who put together such delicious concoctions for everyone to enjoy. Thursday was a Wine, Cheese and Chocolate tasting which the soldiers really enjoyed. Thursday night we had two Passover meals at two of the homes. Friday was a packed day! It started off with a BBQ lunch in the early afternoon. Later on that evening we had the Grand Moshiach Seudah which lasted through the Friday night meal until after midnight.Shabbat Day ended the holiday festivities with a beautiful meal with singing and schmoozing until late in the afternoon.
Overall the Lone Soldiers had an incredible Passover experience and next year G-d willing we will only grow and make even more exciting activities with many more lone soldiers involved.
Year End Review
Lone Soldiers Home – Chayal el Chayal Year End Review
Three Lone Soldier Homes: Chayal el Chayal expanded to three homes! Each one is located in the heart of Jerusalem, only a two minute walk from Shuk Machane Yehudah and Ben Yehudah. Our homes host between 30-70 soldiers each Shabbat and is a place where all soldiers can feel comfortable to drop in and stay any time of the week.
Expanded Holiday Activities: Some major progress has been made with regards to holiday events and packages. For every single holiday we give out packages containing goodies, gear and holiday necessities. There’s always a full schedule of programs and events for the soldiers to enjoy. It’s a time when many lone soldiers get off base, and the homes are all packed to capacity.
Shabbat: Shabbat weekend experience has has been growing tremendously. Every week we host 50 lone soldiers on average, and sometimes as many as 70! The food we make each week has doubled since last year. Every bed in all 3 homes is always taken on Shabbat. It’s a time when all the soldiers chill while doing their laundry before and after Shabbat. The whole weekend the soldiers are surrounded by a wonderful family atmosphere where they spend time with their fellow lone soldiers.
Bodedim B’yachad- United Lone Soldiers: A new initiative called Bodedim B’yachad has been created in memory of Avraham Zev Ben Moshe Zalman Z”L. This program’s mission is to connect every lone soldier; past, present and future, providing them with a family atmosphere where they can grow as well as build a strong lasting connection with each other and the land of Israel.
Trips: Over the past year we have been focusing a lot on trips to learn about the land and give the soldiers a love and feeling for the land they are protecting. We bring them on extreme hikes, tours of holy cities and more, and teach them about the recent and ancient history of each place.
And Much More…