Residents from OHEL Bais Ezra in NY and Etta at OHEL in CA Meet in Los Angeles

Twenty women from four of OHEL Bais Ezra’s New York group homes spent a week-long vacation in Los Angeles. The highlight of their trip was not the typical visit to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor or Universal Studios. Rather it was the first-in-a-lifetime meeting and socializing with peers from Etta at OHEL group homes in the Valley and a never-to-forget Shabbaton at Congregation Shaarey Zedek.

OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services recently merged with the Etta to form Etta at OHEL – an agency founded in 1993 in Los Angeles, and a leader in the provision of residential services to Jewish adults with developmental disabilities in California.

On Wednesday evening August 28th OHEL Bais Ezra individuals were warmly welcomed into the Etta at OHEL Ryzman Family Group Home in the Valley. Dr. Michael Held, Executive Director of Etta, commented, “the evening was one of non-stop dancing and singing but most importantly one of new connections as residents from N.Y. and L.A. shared life stories and experiences with one another.” The evening lasted late into the night and everyone looked forward to the upcoming Shabbaton. Mrs. Stein, a parent of an Etta resident who was in attendance, said the evening “epitomized the new opportunities, the extended family and support we have found in the union with OHEL.”

Friday evening, Rabbi Jonathan Rosenberg of Congregation Shaarey Zedek, and his community warmly welcomed over 100 individuals and staff from OHEL and Etta for the first ever national shabbaton of its kind. At the Friday night seudah, Tali Hill, challenged with cerebral palsy, spoke emotively of the importance in “ensuring that no one is ever alone.” Her eloquence and courage struck all and many a tear of joy was shed in the room.

After Shabbos morning davening, Etta friend Moshe Beinenfeld addressed the entire kehilla and speaking with much humor and poise shared his experiences of growing up with autism and reflected on the importance of inclusiveness in a community “where differences are embraced and appreciated.”