YahalomNJ, a division of Agudath Israel dedicated to supporting families with children with special needs, hosted a transformative Fathers’ Night Out at Tomahawk Steakhouse. The event brought fathers together in a warm and inclusive atmosphere, providing a platform for sharing personal experiences and fostering a sense of unity.
The evening commenced with a father who shared his personal journey of raising a child with special needs. The father’s heartfelt account touched the hearts of everyone present, highlighting the unique challenges and triumphs experienced by fathers in similar situations. It served as a powerful reminder of the strength, love, and dedication exhibited by fathers caring for their children with special needs.
Rabbi Sholom Kamenetsky, Rosh Yeshiva of the Yeshiva of Philadelphia, shared his own firsthand experiences of growing up with a sibling with special needs. He delved into the complexities, joys, and obstacles that accompany such a familial dynamic. Rabbi Kamenetsky offered profound insights into the role of parents in nurturing a supportive environment for their children, while recounting how his parents dealt with the situation. His inspiring words resonated deeply with the fathers in attendance, providing guidance, chizuk, and encouragement.
Following the speeches, the fathers engaged in meaningful conversations, forming connections and providing mutual support. Many fathers stayed for over an hour after the event concluded, sharing their stories, exchanging advice, and fostering a genuine sense of camaraderie. The event provided a safe space for fathers to express themselves, gain valuable insights, and find comfort in the company of others who understand their journey.
Reflecting on the impactful evening, one attending father expressed, “The Yahalom Fathers’ Night Out was a transformative experience. Hearing the personal stories and wisdom shared by both the guest speaker and fellow fathers was incredibly empowering. It was comforting to know that I’m not alone on this journey and that there is a strong community of fathers supporting one another.”
Rabbi Avi Schnall, director of Agudah’s NJ office, conveyed his gratitude to all the fathers in attendance, recognizing their unwavering commitment to their children with special needs. He stated, “The Yahalom Fathers’ Night Out created an environment where fathers felt heard, understood, and uplifted. We are immensely grateful to have provided a platform for fathers to connect and draw strength from one another. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of our children.”
“We are thrilled to have witnessed the profound impact of the Yahalom Fathers’ Night Out event. It provided fathers of children with special needs with a space to connect, share their journeys, and find strength in each other,” said Mrs. Chana Laniado, Director of YahalomNJ. “The evening exemplified the power of community and the invaluable support that Yahalom offers to families. We remain committed to empowering and uplifting every member of our special needs community.”
Agudath Israel thanks Sholom Stein for his generous sponsorship of this event and his support for YahalomNJ.
YahalomNJ is headed by Mrs. Chana Laniado, who has over a decade’s experience working with the special needs community. To contact Mrs. Laniado, please call 848-285-8444 or email claniado@agudah.org.
Wish it were live streamed for those that couldn’t make it in person, or don’t feel comfortable being there in person.