Inclusion Weekend
At the Hampton Synagogue
It was a perfect weekend. Everything came together in a heartwarming, moving, enlightening and informative way. There was laughter and tears, music and singing, and a time to share personal stories and experiences. The weather was beautiful, the food was delicious, and the company was welcoming, warm and inclusive. The Bear Givers Inclusion Weekend at the Hampton Synagogue exceeded our expectations and we are so thankful.
The weekend began with a Shabbat dinner under the stars, with greetings and acknowledgements from our Chairman & Founder Joe Sprung, and from Rabbi Marc Schneier. Michele Mirman gave a very heartfelt and touching introduction to her good friend and our first speaker, Elisa Greenbaum. Elisa, mother of the late Jake Greenbaum to whom our weekend was dedicated, gave a speech that was so compelling and moving that there was not a dry eye to be found. Heather and Morgan Stein performed a beautiful a cappella rendition of the song Found/Tonight. Our next speaker Rabbi Yisrael Rothwachs, Dean of SINAI Schools, spoke on the theme of inclusion.
Shabbat morning included recognition of the Greenbaum Family and Gloria Kaylie, who through the Making Headway Foundation and Camp Kaylie have helped many children with disabilities, and support inclusion. The Hampton Synagogue, Jack’s House and Bear Givers were glad to acknowledge their incredible efforts over the years and their continued good work. The highlight of the morning was esteemed Cantor Netanel Herschtik, Clint Greenbaum and our very own Joe Sprung joyfully and enthusiastically closing out the service with Adon Olam, Jake’s favorite and much-loved song. It was an honor for Joe to sing with such a world-renowned cantor, and a fitting tribute to Jake.
The Saturday night candlelight soirée was led by Michele Mirman who sang and played guitar. Guests were encouraged to sing along and share stories in a safe, comfortable and intimate setting. It was a perfect opportunity to open up, to learn more about each other and enjoy refreshments and music. The grand finale was the Rabbi Marc Schneier and Joe Sprung duet singing My Way!
A breakfast presentation with speeches by Diane Lempert and Kristen DiChiaro was an enjoyable way to end the Inclusion Weekend, with Joe Sprung giving his thanks and closing remarks. Diane and Kristen spoke about Bear Givers and its programs, and our dedication of the Multisensory Studio at Jack’s House Children’s Center. We would especially like to acknowledge Rabbi Marc Schneier, Assistant Rabbi Avraham Bronstein, Cantor Netanel Herschtik, Cheryl, Valerie and the Synagogue Staff, Karen Feldman, Heather Stein, our wonderful speakers and honorees, and Michele Mirman, all of whom helped us facilitate and organize this weekend so that it ran seamlessly and beautifully. Thank you for believing in our mission and supporting inclusion.