MBD & FRIENDS JOIN FORCES WITH CHAI LIFELINE CANADA

he music of Mordechai Ben David inspires millions around the world. But a private performance for the children and families of Chai Lifeline brought new meaning to the word for all who heard the singer's ethereal notes and words.

The idea for the very special event came from a community leader and Chai Lifeline Canada board member who uses his musical gifts to bring joy to the bedsides of very sick children. Among them is Avi, whose illness has left him weak and bedridden.


"Avi is in a tremendous amount of pain, but every time we would sing for him, he would come alive. You'd quickly forget he was sick," he explained. Over the past few weeks, Avi's bed was moved to the living room of his house to accommodate the many visitors and well-wishers. With the help of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Gryfe, Chai Lifeline Canada decided to bring the musical master to him.

Once the concert was arranged the board member decided to expand the impact for Chai Lifeline's families. A local family generously opened their home, and more than 70 children, parents, and invited guests greeted Ben David upon his arrival.

Ben David was joined by a number of musicians whose contributions enabled the music to soar from the living room to the heavens. Sheya Mendlowitz, Abie Rotenberg, Rivie Schwebel, Baruch Chait and Shlomo Simcha harmonized for hours, accompanied by Yanky Briskman and Yochanan Chait.

The music worked its magic on Avi and the other children who attended. "When I saw Mordechai Ben David show up, I could not believe it. Then spending time with him ... That was crazy, crazy, crazy awesome," the teen exclaimed.

His mother, Bracha, said that the excitement hasn't worn off. "I have the chills. We are still talking about the evening. Avi keeps saying, 'Mommy, he was holding my hand. We were praying together.' There was such power and spirituality in the room. I literally felt the floor shake."

"It was really an inspiring and moving evening," agreed Yummy Schachter, a member of the Chai Lifeline Canada board. "You could see the tremendous power that music has. The music takes these children to a different place. They are no longer thinking about the pain and they, along with their families, escape the reality of what they are dealing with for a short while."

Schachter said that the evening will be with him for a long time. "Whenever I came to sing with Avi, I thought I was there to inspire him and his family. I have come to realize that I am the one who ends up being inspired most... inspired by the kids' strength, the families' strength, the power of music and prayer and the incredible work of Chai Lifeline."

Rabbi Rothman, Executive Director of Chai Lifeline Canada, agreed that the event was an incredible experience for all who were there. "We are grateful to the board members and donors who made the evening possible. When I looked around and saw the smiles and joy in our children's faces, I saw the difference that love and compassion can make to families in the midst of very challenging circumstances."

Although he couldn't attend, Rabbi Simcha Scholar, executive vice president of Chai Lifeline, said he wasn't surprised to learn that the evening had made such a difference to Avi and his Chai Lifeline friends. "It shows you what can be done when people come together to help our most vulnerable children and their families."