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Welcome Back to School at HANC
After many months of meticulous preparation, HANC’s Samuel and Elizabeth Bass Golding Elementary School in West Hempstead welcomed the students back to school on September 1. Despite the fact that their faces were covered with multi-colored masks, the happy expressions on the children’s faces were glowing through their excited eyes. It has been almost three months since school ended in June, and the children have been waiting so long to return to HANC, their second home.
Despite the rain that was falling, nothing could dampen the excitement as the children approached the school building. Towering over the entranceway was a huge arch of balloons, and as each child entered the doors, they were personally welcomed and cheered as they walked the red carpet that led the way to their classrooms. The students were thrilled to be reunited with their old friends, and looked forward to getting to know the teachers and new students in their classrooms.
For the teachers, the return to school began weeks ago. As the staff returned to school to begin preparing their classrooms, they were pleased to see all of the renovations that had taken place over the summer. In a very short time, the dedicated teachers created new colorful and exciting bulletin boards and transformed their classrooms to welcome back the students that they had missed so much during the long separation.
As the children became acclimated to their new classes and teachers, preparations for the upcoming holidays have begun. In addition to learning about the mitzvot and minhagim of Rosh Hashana, HANC’s backyard playground was transformed into a hands-on Shofar Factory. The knowledgeable staff from Tzivos HaShem gave the students an overview of how a kosher shofar is crafted from animal horns.
Amazement, wonder and surprise were just some of the experiences of the sixth graders as they explored the various steps necessary to create a hollow, kosher shofar. Once the students had the opportunity to explore the displays and the lesson was concluded, each student selected a horn and transformed it into a shofar. Protected with gloves and goggles, the children worked hard at sawing the ends off of the horns, sanding the surfaces and then polishing their magnificent creations. As they worked, the sounds and smells provided the children with an active, multi-sensory learning experience.
Noa Kaye really enjoyed the hands-on experience. “We learned about which animals are kosher and which ones have horns. When we got our own horn, it was hard cutting off the end with the small saws, but in the end, the shofar was shiny and smooth and easy to blow.”
The Shofar Factory was presented by Tzivos HaShem and sponsored by the HANC PTA. It was a wonderful way for our sixth graders to start off their school year.
As the first week of school concluded, the students gathered in the school auditorium for a Shabbat assembly. The program began with a resounding rendition of Sholom Aleichem, led by HANC’s new Head of School, Rabbi Ouriel Hazan, and accompanied by the magnificent music of HANC’s new music teacher, Mrs. Carrie Levine. Rabbi Hazan then shared a story with the children and highlighted some special acts of chessed that had been performed by children in the school. During the course of the program, children were rewarded with raffle tickets for listening attentively and participating enthusiastically during the singing. In addition to the prizes that several children won in the raffle, a special treat was promised to the fifth grade girls class for cheering for their classmate who was a big winner in the raffle. The children celebrated the coming of Shabbat and are already looking forward to next week’s Shabbat assembly.
Around the Community
Rav Yaakov
Bender
delivering a
shmuess to the third grade talmidim of
Yeshiva Darchei
Torah before Yom Kippur
HAFTR Early Childhood students practiced dipping their apples in honey for Rosh Hashana
MTA Brings Mishmar To Local Communities
When Mishmar couldn’t take place in yeshiva due to tropical storm Ida, MTA brought the learning program to local communities. MTA rebbeim led Mishmar programs in Bergen County, Brooklyn, Monsey, Passaic, Queens, Riverdale, Westchester, and West Hempstead.
“Even though we were unable to learn in yeshiva, we wanted to end the year with Torah by learning together before Rosh Hashana and wish each talmid a k’siva v’chasima tova in person,” shared Associate Principal Rabbi Shimon Schenker. “We are grateful to our amazing rebbeim and incredible talmidim for taking part in this meaningful opportunity.”
YOSS Makes Custom Esrog Boxes
In preparation for Sukkos, Rabbi Heimlich’s and Rabbi Gardenswartz’s 3rd grade classes at Yeshiva of South Shore designed beautiful esrog boxes. They set up outside and glued decorations onto the boxes, after which each boy painted his box and allowed them to dry in the sun. They had a wonderful time working on this fun and useful project! Im yirtzeh Hashem they will use the esrog boxes they built themselves for many years; even better, if next year they use them in Yerushalayim!
Around the Community
Rabbi Greenberg’s 6th grade shiur at YOSS designed sukkahs according to the various poskim they are learning about in shiur
YCQ Remembers 9/11
By: Eyal Traeger
On Friday, September 10, the Yeshiva of Central Queens held a 9/11 memorial assembly for the junior high school students. The assembly began with a short video showing a timeline of the day and clips of the attacks. Next, firsthand stories were told about experiences and memories by a few YCQ staff members: Mr. Miles Ehrenkrantz, Ms. Elisheva Simanowitz, Ms. Odelia Schlisser and Ms. Darlene Picciano, JHS science teacher, who told her story of her family members who were in Manhattan on 9/11.
Mr. Ehrenkrantz, JHS social studies teacher, shared his story about working in the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
“Having worked in the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. on 9/11, I had a very different experience than those in New York. America’s newest heroes were, of course, all of the men and women who worked tirelessly to save as many people as possible at The World Trade Center in New York and The Pentagon in Virginia. While they are my heroes, too, I have a very special and personal connection to 40-unsung heroes that saved my life, and those of my colleagues on Capitol Hill that day: the 40 passengers aboard United Flight 93 who thwarted the terrorist’s goal of crashing their jet fuel-filled plane into the Capitol Building, killing hundreds of senators and representatives, along with their staffers, like me.
“Every year, for 20 years, I have written to their families to express my profound sadness for their loss. There is not a day that goes by when I do not think of them. Their sacrifice fuels me to be a better person each day.”
Ms. Simanowitz, JHS administrative assistant and organizer of the program, spoke about her father, Assemblyman Michael Simanowitz who was a first responder in the attacks. He later passed away from cancer in 2017. He was a great friend to YCQ and the entire Kew Gardens Hills community.
She said, “Even though the events of 9/11 happened 20 years ago, the country and the world are still feeling the effects of it today. So many lives were lost that day, and we continue to lose more to 9/11-related illnesses each day. It’s so important to remember the innocent people who were lost and the heroes who sacrificed so much more than we could have ever imagined just to try and help.”
This year is the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Many people today are still affected by the events of that day, including the first responders who are still sick from the debris that they inhaled. These assemblies are important to educate people and increase awareness of these attacks. This generation was not alive during the attacks so it’s important for them to understand how September 11, 2001 changed the world and continues to impact the way we do things.
Did you know? Although bamboo is a grass, many of the larger woody bamboo species are very tree-like in appearance and are often called “bamboo trees.”
PHOTO CREDIT: MAXINE LIPSHITZ
Around the Community For When a Pediatric Patient Needs a Home Away from Home A Visit at Children’s Center at the Phoenix
There’s no place like home.
But when home isn’t a realistic option, whether for the short- or long-term, every infant, child, and teenager experiencing a medical challenge or crisis deserves to be ensconced in the softness and stability of a home away from home. And this is exactly what the staff, residents, and family members at Children’s Center at the Phoenix consider it to be. It’s where nurses are smiling and singing friends, therapists are patient and encouraging teachers, and medical personnel are optimistic advocates. It’s where each child is not just a patient, but a world of unique personality and potential.
It’s about a promise of innovation and expertise.
When the Phoenix Center acquired the children’s facility in 2020, we vowed to revamp the existing
Spotlight on Dr. Kenneth Lieberman
Chief of Pediatric Nephrology at Hackensack University Medical Center and Professor of Pediatrics, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
As one of the nation’s first pediatric centers to offer dialysis and kidney care, the kidney and dialysis department at the Children’s Center at the Phoenix, led by the world-renowned Dr. Kenneth Lieberman, boasts a team of specially trained doctors, nurses, social workers, and dieticians. Dr. Lieberman is the acclaimed Chief of Pediatric Nephrology at Hackensack University Medical Center and the DaVita Medical Group, and is affiliated with the Hackensack, Jersey Shore, and Palisades Medical Centers. At the forefront of medical advancement in the field of pediatric nephrology, his leadership of our team at the dialysis unit means the children at our facility benefit from up-to-date and compassionate care, on site.
The feedback and recommendation Dr. Lieberman’s patients share all speak of the compassionate, expert, and patient-focused care they receive.
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Lieberman’s Philosophy of Care, in His Own Words
In my over 40 years practice of pediatric nephrology, I have found what children with complex kidney disease and their families need, above all, is empathic medical care. This includes always answering all their questions as well as listening to and addressing their individual needs. Respect for the patient is my core value. This is what patient-centered care means to me.
Providing my patients with state-of-the-art kidney care includes both cutting-edge diagnostics and therapeutics. I strongly believe that a physician should constantly be at the forefront of knowledge in his field in order to deliver the best patient care. This includes producing scholarly works, participating in cutting-edge clinical trials, as well as attending and participating in national and international symposia. Teaching at all levels of medical education is a necessity. Under my leadership, the nephrology division has been able to participate in clinical trials with unique and effective therapies—available at few other medical centers.
Medical Affiliations
HMH Hackensack University Medical Center HMH Jersey Shore University Medical Center HMH Palisades Medical Center
In Conversation How long have you been at The Children’s Center at Phoenix?
It’s been a year now.
What do you feel is unique about the Kidney and Dialysis department at the facility?
The availability of pediatric dialysis for kids at the Center is exclusive.
What has been your overall impression of The Children’s Center’s leadership?
The staff at the facility are both highly dedicated and supremely professional. center from the pediatric skilled nursing facility it was to a haven of innovation, healing, and wellness for young patients facing debilitating illness.
The natural outcome of recruiting an amazing team of renowned doctors and medical advisory board, as well as therapists, nurses, and dedicated social workers and dieticians, is a family-centric approach to facing and dealing with medical hardship and making decisions together.
Along with medical excellence, the ambiance created by renovating the campus to a child-friendly, full aquatic design theme contributes to the renewed vigor and positivity with which the team of caregivers and patients at the Children’s Center at the Phoenix face each day.
It’s about a single-minded goal; providing children with the nurture, care, and passion needed to grow, heal, and develop despite facing debilitating illness, while affording peace of mind for the patients’ families.
It’s about the care of our precious children.
And when our children are involved, good will never be good enough. That’s why we focus on the collaboration of renowned pediatric doctors, therapists, and specialists to assess, treat, and celebrate each child’s personal challenges and growth. With services ranging from pediatric brain injury, wound, respirator, and ventilator care; respite care; physical, occupational, speech, and language therapy; as well as educational and recreational programs – both on site and in community schools, the center is equipped to successfully care for both acute and long-term medical and behavioral crisis.
Centrally located in Haskell, New Jersey, with easy access to all prominent hospitals in the tristate area, the Children’s Center at the Phoenix is a 92bed skilled nursing facility, replete with a state-ofthe-art respiratory care program. Caring for children from newly born to 21 years old, the Children’s Center provides both short- and long-term care, as well as respite services.
It’s about the entire patient.
Because, while dependent on vital technology, medication, and therapy programs to heroically face each day, we appreciate that the young, fun-loving kids at our center thrive on the creativity and skill that multisensory recreational activities offer. The variety of art, craft, sensory stimulation, pet therapy, and musical activities the children enjoy, with the stimulating direction of expert recreational as-
Around the Community
sistants, have proven to enhance their quality of life and independence, and reduce or eliminate the effects of illness and disability. Horticulture, pony visits, monthly birthday parties, exercise programs, trips, and library hour make daily life for the children eventful and fulfilling. Using an integrated approach of viewing each patient as both a child and a child who requires medical assistance ensures that all of their individual needs are being met.
It’s about keeping frum patients’ unique needs top of mind.
In the frum world especially, child placement is fraught with emotional uncertainty and practical obstacles. That’s why the Refuah Program at the Children’s Center is a game changer. This initiative includes, first and foremost, the assurance that all staff at the center are educated and sensitive to the nuances and diversity of Yiddishkeit. A rabbi on site, Bikur Cholim room and Shabbos accommodations, complementary transportation and Refuah concierge services, and availability of kosher food are some other amenities designed to provide the highest standard of care to frum residents and their families, making them feel at ease while at the center.
It’s about peace of mind when you need it most.
When caregivers are in need of a vacation or are dealing with an emergency that prevents them from being there for their loved one, our respite care services are there to provide the crucial reprieve. The only pediatric skilled nursing facility to offer respite services, our interdisciplinary team is here for you whenever the need arises, fully equipped to accommodate all your child’s medical and emotional needs.
It’s about what patients’ families are saying.
It’s why Eli’s father said:
“We have seen many facilities, and they were good – but at the Children’s
Center at the Phoenix, it feels much more, and it feels like family…We hope
and are sure to have a great family
relationship by taking care of him TO-
GETHER.”
It’s why Shlomo Fuhrer, the grandfather of a patient we adored, took the time to let us know:
“My grandson received exceptional care. I was really amazed at everything the wonderful staff did for our family. I would highly recommend this place.”
It’s why Moshe Geller says of his conviction that he chose the right facility for his child:
“The staff is truly one of a kind!
They go to great lengths to ensure the
patient and family are happy. Right from the start, we were amazed at the devotion each and every staff member displayed. Such a compassionate team; so giving. We were lucky to have our son cared for by these wonderful people. He got great therapy, and they showed such love to him. We were con-
stantly informed of any changes in his care plan and the nurses patiently an-
swered our questions over the phone. His room was really neat, and he got so many toys! Choosing this facility was a smart choice we made!”
It’s what the experts are saying, too.
The incredible results of the annual New Jersey Department of Health Survey were the natural outcome of a team of caregivers who are completely committed to enriching the lives of the residents and children we serve.
Here’s just a sampling of comments from the state surveyors: “I am very impressed with the pediatric unit. I can see that all the staff really adore and love the children,” and, “Everyone works so well together and the patients are receiving great care.” It’s a true testament to the compassionate care that is provided to our residents each and every day.
It’s because we care enough.
Enough to go the extra mile to gradually and sensitively coax a young teenager who had been through a horrific accident to cooperate with therapists, relearn to walk, and overcome the emotional effects of the trauma. It’s how she is currently back home with her family and friends as a healthy young adult. Enough to snuggle and cuddle a newborn patient who was unable to breathe on his own, playing his favorite music so he beams and giggles as he matures. It’s how he is now off the ventilator for a couple of hours each day, and happily cooperates with his daily physical, occupational, and speech therapists. It’s why Ed Peters, our beloved director of the respiratory department, has a young patient waiting impatiently at the door to his office each morning to greet him. It’s how each day, milestones are celebrated, and little people are embraced by the love and warmth of those who truly care for them.
It’s about making the right choice for your loved one.
Be in touch for any further discussion:
Alexandra DeLuise Director of Admissions
1433 Ringwood Avenue Haskell, NJ 07420 C. 908-907-7136 O. 973-839-2119 x137 F. 973-839-3007 adeluise@phoenixcrp.com www.phoenixcrp.com
Scott Weissman Assistant Administrator/Director of The Refuah Program
1433 Ringwood Avenue Haskell, NJ 07420 Phone: 516-581-9455 sweissman@phoenixcrp.com www.phoenixcrp.com
The Refuah Program
A unique initiative making the Children’s Center at the Phoenix a frum-friendly residence, the Refuah Program has made all the difference for families seeking appropriate placement for their children.
Hi, Scott. Can you tell us a bit about what prompted the Refuah Program’s initiative?
We saw the need for a place where any Jewish family could feel comfortable placing their child, because putting a child into a facility in general is very scary. The word “nursing home” is usually associated with the elderly, so placing children in
A Word with Scott Weissman, Refuah Program Coordinator
such a place can be frightening. What this project means is that there is frum programming behind the scenes and that there is someone – me – whom parents and family can speak to at any time, who understands what they are like and exactly what their distinctive needs are.
What kind of feedback have you getting from the program?
There’s been lots of positive feedback, baruch Hashem. I’ve been involved since December and have received a lot of positive comments from families, many of which had children in the Center before the program began. They all have my personal cell number and can reach out whenever there is any concern or need. I am there for them as only someone who understands them can be.
Do you have any other message you’d like to share?
Often, I get very close to the families of frum patients I deal with. I’ve learned from experience how, because of the close, trusting relationship we share, I end up discussing a lot of different things with these families, and this enables me to more effectively service their needs.
