The lights of a menorah with hundreds of candles would shine almost as bright as the faces Yavneh's Helping Hands for the Homeless students as they announced a gift to Dallas' Genesis Women's Shelter - a gift of their $18,000 raised for the event.

 

"Everyone in our organization worked tirelessly over the past few months making sure our event went off without a hitch," said Dalya Romaner who serves as HHH co-President with Adam Steinbrecher.

 

"Our goal was to have a great event and raise a lot of money for Genesis Women's Shelter, but the event was a lot more than that," said Dalya. "It really brought people together for a great cause and helped other people become aware of Genesis and how much what they do matters."

 

"We are without words and could not be appreciative," Sarah Taylor, Director of

HHH co-Presidents Adam Steinbrecher & Dalya Romaner with Genesis Women's Shelter's Sarah Taylor.

Programs for Genesis Women's Shelter said as the proceeds of the evening were announced. "This gift literally helps us keep the lights on, our doors open, and allows us to provide safety and shelter in a warm community for so many."

 

For battered women and their children, Genesis provides at no cost shelter, safety, counseling, and expert services including a 24-Hour Hotline, emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, daycare, play therapy for children, an on-site school, case management, parenting classes, legal services, job readiness classes, and domestic violence education.

 

  "In so many ways, our society glamorizes abuse, and to hear these students say loud and clear that 'this is not ok' makes them so wise beyond their years," said Ms. Taylor. "We are so thrilled and really incredibly overwhelmed by their interest, their generosity, and the goodness that is in each of them."

 

Kol Hakavod to Dalya and Adam and HHH members Amitai Abouzaglo,
Shanee Abouzaglo,  Sarah Barnett, Hadas Cohen, Ronit Dickter, Michelle Friedstadt,  

Itai Guttman, Ori Guttman, Raquel Henkin, Austin Jacoby, Sam Kleinman,  

HHH Board of Directors Amitai Abouzaglo, Risa Mond, Michelle Friedstadt, Ronit Dickter, David Rudomin, Adam Steinbrecher, Shanee Abouzaglo, and Dalya Romaner

Gary Levine, Risa Mond, Jonathan Ochstein,  

Grant Prengler,  

Adina Romaner,  

David Rudomin,   

Miranda Rudomin,  

Osher Saboni,  

Gaby Schultz,  

David Steinbrecher,  

and Dania Tanur.                        

 

 

 

 

 

The evening's success students say was possible in large part to the help of  YavnehMom Janyce Steinbrecher and many who donated items for the raffle and catering for the dinner including A Taste of the World catering, Jack Black Cosmetics, Café Fino, Chooze Shoes, Debbie Gaspar Jewelry, Torri Hayden, Intergem, the Levine Family, Move Studio, Milk & Honey Jerusalem Market & Grill, Natalie's Kitchen,  Simcha Kosher Catering, Skibell Fine Jewelry, The Spice of Life Catering, Starbucks, the Steinborn Family, Janyce Steinbrecher, Dr. Eduardo Tanur/Periodontal Associates, Tom Thumb, and Zinga Frozen Yogurt.

 

HHH, started in 2010 by Rachel Goodman '13 and Gabby Steinbrecher '12. The organization's members have in the last three years also supported Family Gateway, Jonathan's Place and numerous other agencies, with students serving meals, spending time with children and families, and donations of over $40,000.

 

Among the more than 150 guests to the event were the ladies of Loving Hearts, a table of women who understand the mission of Yavneh's students, the mission to help and support others, to serve tikun olam - that of repairing the world. "We are so excited to be here and so proud of these kids for having such a successful event," said Carmen Grinstein who spoke on behalf of the ladies' group, including members and YavnehMoms Sandra Dickter, Daniel Frid, Dinora Friedstadt, Jaynie Schultz & Ron Romaner, and Janyce & Jacob Steinbrecher, which donates time and resources to numerous programs. "This is really incredible and it was a such a beautiful night!"

 

"I'm very lucky not to have known any of life's true adversities and so I feel it important to help others in need," said Adam. "My Jewish education, at Akiba and Yavneh academies, and through my parents, has taught me always to help those in need. I hope our donation will help provide structure, order, and hope for the women and children who Genesis Women's Shelter provides."

 

As the evening was held on the fifth night of Chanukah, as Yavneh Assistant Principal/Judaic Curriculum, Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum lit the menorah, he shared that, while there is much darkness in the world, it takes just one flame to light a spark of beauty. "Every single good deed we do lights up the world around us," he said.