English Speaking Community Activities Report

Doing Mitzvot between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur; one KSI and Book Club Member Family’s Way 

The ten days starting with Rosh Hashanah and ending on Yom Kippur are called the “Days of Awe” (Yamin Noraim). A time of introspection/self-reflection when Jews consider their sins of the previous year and repent on Yom Kippur.

It is a private activity and should have a significant effect in one’s future behavior towards others; being a better person.

This week after the second day of Rosh Hashanah fellow congregants, friends and Book Club members Jeff and Thelma Sherman shared with me that they along with their children, Alexandra, Raquel and Ben, had decided that an appropriate activity during this time was to give something of themselves to others less fortunate. Also, I must add that Jeff’s mother, Berta Sherman is visiting them for the High Holidays and she would be participating. (At the end, daughter Raquel, unfortunately, had a conflict and was not able to participate)

It was explained to me they were going to provide lunch at St. Tomas Hospital on Wednesday, October 5th, and would I be interested in joining them?  I was intrigued, but it was still not clear to me what the reason for the making and serving of lunch at St. Tomas Hospital was all about, but that was to change very soon.

 Ben Sherman preparing lunches

At their home that morning, all were busily working in the kitchen preparing a sizable number of lunches they were to deliver and serve at the hospital and then the picture become crystal clear as indicated by the t-shirts they were wearing.

                           Alexandra and Berta Sherman getting napkins and cutlery wrapped

  Thelma and “chef” cooking.

The family volunteered to provide lunch that day to all the medical personal of an organization called: Operacion Sonrisa (Operation Smile). It’s an international organization of physicians, nurses, mental and occupational health therapists and other medical specialists who volunteer their time in correcting children’s trauma of being born having a cleft lip and palate. 

In Panama the organization also treats burns.

                                                    Delivering lunch to the hospital

The organization is given a reserve wing at St. Tomas for its medical care, surgery and patient stay during its time in Panama. The day I visited with the Sherman family, 31 operations were performed. And just recently in the city of David, 140+ operations were performed and all together in the 25 years of its existence the organization’s doctors have performed 4,100 surgeries with some being in multiple parts especially with cleft palates and burns, with years of follow-up.

Patients resting after surgery

 Photos of progress after surgery and hope for a better life

Almost healed!

The hospital donates the space with additional assistance, all the medical professional donate their time, there are outside donations that assist with costs. And caring people such as the Shermans donate their time and prepare lunch for the staff, when at the same this service is a very good teaching opportunity for the Sherman children, parents and grandmother. A way to perform Tzadaka at a time of reflection during the “Days of Awe. Helping those who cannot help themselves.

The Sherman family visiting with a patient

After serving the food and visiting with the children, their parents, grandparents and medical staff, the Sherman family quietly left with the satisfaction of providing help to fellow Panamanians, especially children less fortunate than them. And at the same time providing for those who do the real work in bettering the lives of many who would have never been able to afford the life altering help received. A truly worthy activity and teaching opportunity in performing Tzadaka.

During our time at the hospital we were guided by Maria Elena Berberian, Executive Director of Operacion Sonrisa Panama, who was very helpful informing us of the ways Operacion Sonrisa helps.

 Thelma Sherman, Maria Elena Berberian, and Banco General guest

The visit to the hospital and seeing the children in the varying stages of healing after surgery for me was a very humbling experience and at time brought tears to my eyes. The children are beautiful and I could see the signs of hope in their eyes and in their smiles upon visiting with them.

A better future

 Nurse preparing a cast for burn victim, with mother 

Being invited by Thelma and Jeff was for me a singular experience I would have not otherwise have experienced and for this I am grateful for their commitment to these children and for being excellent role models to their children.  Thank you Thelma and Jeff for allowing me this opportunity!

 Grandmother with granddaughter

Anyone interested in knowing more about Operation Sonrisa and how you can help can do so by contacting Maria Elena Berberian at 232-7405/6 or by email: mberberian@operacionsonrisa.org.pa. Submitted by: robert.jacobvitz@sbcglobal.net