Teshuva Returning To Our Best Selves
As Rosh Hashanah approaches, our thoughts turn to teshuvah. We often translate teshuvah as “repentance,” but in Hebrew its root is shuv or “return”. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z’l taught that teshuvah is not about rejecting who we have been, but about rediscovering who we truly are. Beneath our mistakes and fears lies a spark of holiness that has never been extinguished. As such, the sound of the shofar is not a rebuke but a call of hope, reminding us that no matter how far we’ve wandered, we can always come home. At its essence, teshuvah is the journey back to our truest selves.
Teshuvah is not just personal; it is also communal. We stand before Hashem, G-d, not as isolated individuals, but as part of Klal Yisrael, the Congregation of Israel. Rabbi Sacks z’l noted that we are at our best when we stand together as an Am Echad B’Lev Echad – one nation with one heart. When we remove the barriers that divide us and build communities of belonging, we return not just to Hashem but to each other. We come home.
Libenu is the embodiment of home and community, a place of open hearts where Jewish individuals with disabilities are seen, cherished, and empowered to thrive. At Libenu, we hold fast to the belief that every person is created B’Tzelem Elokim, in the image of Hashem, with infinite worth and purpose. We are blessed to be part of a community that celebrates the unique gifts and strengths each individual brings. As we enter this new year, we offer our deepest thanks for your steadfast support and for helping make our community a place where every person is embraced with love and a true sense of belonging.
May 5786 be a year of healing and hope for us all. May Hashem watch over the soldiers of the IDF, reunite the hostages with their families, and bring true and lasting peace to our people and the world.
From all of us at Libenu, we wish you and yours a Shana Tova U’Metuka – a good, sweet new year – and G’mar Chatima Tova – inscribed in the book of life, good health, peace, and prosperity.
Best wishes,
Shana Erenberg, CEO
Libenu’s Camp Lev
Another Summer of Fun and Growth!
This summer’s Camp Lev program was a tremendous success! Over five days and four nights, 17 campers experienced the magic of overnight camp during one of the most stressful times of the year for parents – the week between the end of traditional camps and the start of school. While Camp Lev offered families and caregivers a much-needed respite, campers experienced a fun-filled schedule of boating, zip lining, swimming, a ropes course, hayrides, a paint run, arts and crafts, a bouncy house, and so much more. Campers and staff also enjoyed a beautiful Shabbat, complete with candle lighting, singing, dancing, storytelling, havdallah, and a festive melava malka.
A 1-to-1 staff-to-camper ratio, an on-site nurse, and EMT ensured every camper’s needs were met with care and attention, giving families peace of mind during the hectic back-to-school season. Yasher koach to our incredible team: Rivka Schaffel, Pessie Stern, Kaley Cohen, Marli Gutman, and to our devoted staff and volunteers who made Libenu’s Camp Lev 2025 an unforgettable experience.
