Seeach Sod arranged a unique and accessible arba minim market for individuals with disabilities. After studying the relevant halachot, the participants came to the “shuk” prepared to put their learning into action. The market was arranged in nearly the same way as arba minim markets throughout Israel: Stalls were arranged by types of etrogim, so that every customer could buy the type he was looking for and strengthen his ties to his family traditions. The arba minim were not free, but were rather “bought” with special bills prepared for the event, so that the participants also practiced financial responsibility and saving. A Rav from the community was even present to answer questions from the customers regarding the merchandise!
The adults also went out together to buy special clothing for the chag, and Seeach Sod staff built 50 sukkot—one for every one of the apartments in the Supported Housing program in Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, and Beit Shemesh.
On the first night of chol hamo’ed, Seeach Sod celebrated its annual simchat beit hasho’eiva, which was graced with the presence of many great Rabbanim: Chief Rabbi Rav Yitzchak Yosef shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Mir Rav Baruch Mordechai Ezrachi shlita, Chief Rabbi of Yerushalayim Rav Aryeh Stern shlita, Av Beit Din of Yerushalayim Rav Yisrael Yifrach shlita, Rav Elimelech Biderman shlita, the Lelover Rebbe shlita, Rav Yitzchak Cohen shlita, and Rav Druk shlita. A number of public figures were also present, including MK Rav Meir Porush, MK Rav Yisrael Eichler, MK Rav Moshe Abutbul, deputy mayor of Jerusalem Rav Eliezer Rochberger, deputy mayor of Jerusalem Rav Yossi Deutch, and members of the Jerusalem municipality. Representatives of the Beit Shemesh municipality and the Department of Education were also present.
These distinguished personages danced alongside Seeach Sod’s students and clients and hundreds of volunteers, staff, parents, employees, and neighbors.
Rav Shimon Levi, CEO of Seeach Sod, presented a certificate of appreciation to “Neighbor of the Year” Rav Cohen, who represented the neighbors of the apartments in the Supported Housing program, who create a warm community for the residents of the apartments in Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, and Bnei Brak, and thereby contribute to the goal of optimal integration.
Click here to watch the full event.