JOY, KINDNESS, AND MELODIES: THE MOVING BAR MITZVAH OF NADAV RABINOWITZ AT LANIADO HOSPITAL
Bar Mitzvah boy Nadav and his father, Yossi Rabinowitz, arrived with their extended family to bring joy to hospitalized children, take part in the international “Share and Care” project, and close an emotional, historic circle through song and dance.
An extraordinary and deeply moving Bar Mitzvah celebration took place at the Pediatrics Department of Laniado Hospital in Netanya. The Bar Mitzvah boy, Nadav Rabinowitz, chose to mark his milestone day through giving, connecting to his roots, and bringing joy to hospitalized children, as part of the international “Share and Care” chessed (kindness) project.
The emotional event began when the extended family, led by Nadav and his father, Yossi Rabinowitz, arrived at the hospital gates. Their first stop was the central lobby, where they were warmly greeted by Mr. Eli Knoller, Director of Development Laniado in Florida. Mr. Knoller shared the fascinating and inspiring history of the medical center, as well as the unique vision of its founder – the Klausenburger Rebbe, Rabbi Yekutiel Yehudah Halberstam (the Shefa Chaim) zt”l. The family listened intently to the story of the famous vow the Rebbe made during the Holocaust when he was shot in his arm: he promised that if he survived the horrors, he would establish a hospital in Israel that would care for every human being, regardless of religion, race, or gender.
Driven by a sense of mission and excitement, the family continued to the Pediatrics Department. Right at the entrance, they were welcomed by the sounds of authentic Jewish music. A klezmer band, invited especially for the occasion, got everyone dancing, bringing light, rhythm, and immense joy into the department.
At the peak of the spiritual portion of the day, the Bar Mitzvah boy, his father, and family members gathered for a sacred and uplifting ceremony: completing the final letters of a Mezuzah scroll. A Sofer Stam (scribe) who arrived specifically for the event allowed Nadav and his father to take part in the mitzvah. All the while, the klezmer band accompanied them with stirring Chassidic songs of emotion and soul, touching the hearts of everyone present and filling eyes with tears of joy.
After watching an inspiring presentation highlighting the daily life-saving and charitable activities of the hospital, the family moved on to the hands-on part of the “Share and Care” project. Nadav, along with his family, went room by room throughout the children’s ward, personally handing out gifts to the hospitalized children. The klezmers accompanied this musical-medical procession, bringing bright smiles to the faces of the children confined to their beds and helping them forget the pain of their illness, if only for a brief moment.
The event concluded with a moving ribbon-cutting and unveiling ceremony of the “Share and Care” recognition plaque, beautifully engraved with the name of the Bar Mitzvah boy, Nadav Rabinowitz. As the plaque was unveiled, the family and guests burst into a vibrant, enthusiastic “Mitzvah Dance” in honor of the Torah and young Nadav.
Following a day packed with unforgettable experiences, tears of emotion, and true Jewish joy, the Rabinowitz family bid a warm farewell to the department staff, the children, and their parents. They left behind a trail of light and kindness, while carrying with them a lifelong inspiration for giving.
