This heartwarming story features 17-year-old David Lilienfeld from Margate.
In the midst of the pandemic, a group of Jewish teens is forging important connections with seniors four or five times their age.
‘Better Together’ is a program of the Board of Jewish Education of Atlantic & Cape May Counties. It connects Seashore Gardens residents with Jewish teens from the Kulanu School of Jewish Studies, with programs centering around Jewish values.
Although not able to meet in-person, communications occur through video messages, letters, journals and phone calls.
Lois Shapiro moved to Seashore Gardens last March, just before Home closed to visitors due to the pandemic. ‘Better Together’ has been a welcome activity.
As it turns out, Lois enjoyed the first encounter so much that she can’t wait for the next.
She (Lois) raves about her buddy, 17-year-old David Lilienfeld. “He is absolutely one of the nicest kids I’ve ever met,” she said. “He’s so sweet, so great. We had an instant connection.
We spoke about ourselves. I asked him what he was planning to do with his life. I told him about my children.
In his spare time, Lilienfeld runs a service called: David’s Digital Donations. He aims to bring comfort and aid into Atlantic County by providing computers to those who will need them in the coming year, whether that be for work or school.
Better Together gives us the opportunity to get to know someone who is older and learn from their life experiences. For the residents, it provides a connection to the younger generation. It gives them a chance to make a difference in our lives as well.”
Read more > https://seashoregardens.org/better-together
David I think what you are doing is so wonderful for these elderly folks. Especially during this horrific time! It gives the residents something to look forward too.
This is such an important thing for the minds of these dear people who are just sitting there with nothing at all to do with themselves. Just know David that you are doing a real Mitzvah for them. Im sure it is very much appreciated. Thankyou for
CARING and making a difference in their lives!!