Reena Foundation recently received dozens of paintings, many featuring hearts and hands, made in the spirit of kindness and generosity by participants in Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue’s Kadima Program. To create these beautiful pieces, Program Director Marcel Cohen planned a program session unlike all other program sessions:
When we started the art class on Sunday, March 6th, I told the Kadima Centre participants that this was going to be different from every other art program we have ever had where they always get to take home whatever artwork they make.
The reason why I said this is different is because we are going to be making art as gift to say “Thank You!” to Reena for all of the wonderful things they have done for all of you. Therefore all of their artwork is going to Reena and not with them.
I was not sure how they were going to react to that.
To give them an idea of what to draw, the artist teaching the class, Shlomit Kriger, explained to them that we can focus on two body parts in the art – the hand that gives – and the heart – that cares since Reena gives to all of us and so we should give from our heart.
Also, I added that our sages of blessed memory say that what comes from the heart goes to the heart.
After painting their beautiful works of art our Kadima Centre participants came up to the front of the room willingly to explain and display their art. Most of them started off by saying, “For Reena, thank you!” They produced amazing works of art! Truly inspiring and beautiful.
It was very moving how they so willingly gave of themselves in gratitude to Reena.
From our hearts to your hearts…….
The Kadima program is an interactive community program run by Beth Emeth Bais 
Yehuda Synagogue for adults with developmental disabilities. The program offers social and recreational programming in a Jewish spiritual setting. Many of the participants also access services at Reena and a group from the program will be participating in Striking for Reena bowling event on Sunday, May 1, 2016. Several of these paintings will be awarded to the event’s top fundraisers.
