By COLlive reporter
Photos: Yossi Percia
Over 250 Jewish children in Los Angeles, California, turned out for a unique event titled “Hakhel Birthday Rally and Gathering” in memory of their friend Chaya Spalter, of blessed memory.
The young Chabad girl, whose 13th birthday would be on the 3rd of Elul, continues to live on through the excitement and spirit of her friends and classmates inspired by her positive example.
The event was arranged by her parents, Rabbi Mendy and Hadassah Spalter who continue exemplifying how to keep their young daughter’s legacy alive.
Decorated with festive birthday balloons and decorations, the room was filled with joy and festivity. Each participant received their own “birthday pekaleh.” LAPD Sgt. Jaime Marin, who flew Chaya on a chopper before her passing, donated prizes raffled off at the event.
Leading the gathering was Rabbi Mendel Duchman, founder and director of The Rebbe’s Diamond Daveners – Kol Yakov Yehuda, the young congregation of which Chaya Spalter was a member.
Master storyteller Rabbi Sholem Perl shared an inspiring story about Teshuva and the month of Elul, while the volunteer staff members of Kol Yakov Yehuda led the children in reciting the 12 Pesukim.
Mrs. Spalter took the opportunity to thank all those who attended and encouraged everybody to continue this very special “Mitzvah Project” that was established in honor of her daughter.
The Hakhel gathering culminated with the beginning of the writing of a new Sefer Torah which will be in honor of Chaya and all Anash children of Los Angeles.
The initiative is the brainchild of Zalmi Greenbaum, Sholom Ber Cohen and Moshe Aron Geisinsky, the three presidium of Kol Yakov Yehuda, the shul by the kids for the kids.
Greenbaum delivered a special message regarding the unique unity that comes about through the writing of a Sefer Torah and noted that the congregation is marking its 15th anniversary of its inception.
The larger than life presence of Chaya was felt throughout the room as children united for Torah, Tefillah and Tzedaka and enthusiastically wished “Happy Birthday Chaya!”
Chaya, we all miss you so much!
Please go to mitzvosforchaya.com !
i always feel u smiling down at me as if u r watching every step i take! ur neshama should have an aliya! and pls. ask Hashem to bring Moshiach! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We and some of the boys helped give out tickets to the girls and boys but none of us arranged the event. Mrs spalter did and asked us to help her give out stuff.
I see Rabbi Yosef Teitelbaum is the Sofer. He is truly the best. Besides being so talented he is also very chassidish and emesdik. You could not have asked for a better Sofer for the Sefer Torah of such a holy neshama.
Chaya z’l should have an aliya – she deserves the best and she got it.
The Spalter family is so special- Hashem should bentch them with lots of koach to keep us their great work and with all revealed good. Chaya z’l must be shepping nachas in shamayim.
Wow- how special it is to be an Anash chid there-
Always challenging them to be more and more involved in the ways of our Rebbe.
What a nice comunity. A special shoutout to RMD who is always in the front line of all children’s peulois in la.