January 15, 2009
A Dog Tale
When the school year began last Fall we were in touch with Tamara Ruben, principal of the Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim Religious School in Cranford, NJ. Tamara wanted the kids in her school to become truly involved in a tzedakah project. Putting coins in the school tzedakah box was fine, but she wanted something more than that-something truly "hands-on".
Tamara was impressed with Avshalom Beni and his Israeli program, Humans and Animals in Mutual Assistance-HAMA Israel, and wanted her students to learn more about this unique organization which uses (mostly) rescued animals (dog and cats) as co-therapists in treating both kids and adults who experience many different types of emotional and physical disabilities. After introducing her school to HAMA through a video produced by the now-closed Ziv Tzedakah Fund, students and teacher alike embarked upon a multi-faceted effort to help HAMA.
What follows is a note that Tamara sent to her congregation and shared with us. We think it is a beautiful description of not only her school’s efforts, but also her encounter with Avshalom, his co-therapists, and some of his most vulnerable clients. Kol Hakavod to everyone who took part in this special mitzvah.
… I would like to share with you a story of great inspiration and hope that has to do with a connection with HAMA (http://www.hama-israel.org.il/) an Israeli organization and TBEMC’s Religious School. I am sharing this with you so that you too will be proud of our special school and its wonderful values.
As you can read in their website, HAMA is rooted in the unique and mutual bonding and welfare between humans and animals. Its organizers work closely with various public social welfare agencies, hospitals and educational institutions in establishing a "bridge" consisting of mutual healing. It is for these elements that we decided to interest our students at TBEMC Religious School.
During the last few months, our students have been able to raise money in time for my visit here at HAMA. In keeping with our school philosophy that the best gift one can receive is by giving of ourselves, as Hanukkah was approaching last Sunday, the entire school was busy baking healthy dog biscuits and decorating beautiful bandannas for the animals of HAMA. (I will tell you what happened at the airport at another time…:)
While the nights are now cold in Israel and the days are shorter, my encounter with the founders of HAMA, Avshalom and his wife Pam, their dedicated staff. and their many animals who themselves have suffered devastating injuries, brought so much light, warmth and an example of human/animal kindness that transcends any written word. My visit to The Lev Hasharon Hostels for Holocaust Survivors, one of the many projects that HAMA has established, truly made me feel that this was a holy place; a place where humans understand the meaning of being "B”tzelem Elohim" in God”s image.
Equipped with the delicious dog biscuits and the beautiful bandannas from our Religious School, my daughter and I drove to the center, about 30 minute drive north of Tel Aviv. The center is nestled in the midst of the luscious Sharon region where golden oranges are still visible in the surrounding orchards and old Eucalyptus trees are seen everywhere. It was Friday afternoon and as the cheerful dogs of all sizes and kinds leaped out from Avshaom’s van, it was a love at first site.You could feel a sense of gratitude in these animals who knew neglect, abuse and injuries and are now determined to be "healers" themselves. Their spirit was so uplifting, with an abundance of an unconditional and infectious love adorned by endless "kisses". … the dogs devoured the biscuits and proudly wore the bandannas that were lovingly made by our students at TBEMC.
When the Holocaust survivors joined us, one could sense that this encounter brought a relief, a spark of love, a smile and touch, consoling their broken souls. There was very little that was needed to be said amidst the dogs’ excitement. In fact, words would have interfered in this stunning encounter.
HAMA: Tormented human beings and animals who were able to build a sacred bridge that will stay etched in my heart forever.
