The Season of Transformation
Tu B’Shvat reminds us that renewal begins quietly, beneath the surface, long before the world can see it. A tree draws on its deepest roots, reaches toward the light, and, in time, blossoms in ways that astonish us. I think of the children at ALYN when I reflect on this. Every small milestone—a child gripping a cup independently, a teenager regaining movement in a limb, an infant finding their voice—these are the blossoms of months of invisible, determined work. They grow from roots of extraordinary medical care, devoted therapists, and the fierce love of families who refuse to give up.
And then there is Purim. Purim is a holiday that teaches us that transformation is possible—that circumstances can change, that darkness can give way to light, and that even in the face of overwhelming odds, joy can prevail. The children and families who come to ALYN know this truth. They arrive facing challenges that might seem insurmountable, and yet time and again, we witness the most remarkable reversals: the child who was told she might never walk—walking; the young boy who couldn’t swallow—eating a meal at the family table; the teenager who had withdrawn from the world—laughing with peers in our recreation program.
These are not just medical achievements. They are miracles playing out in real time.
At AFAH, this season fills us with a sense of urgency and possibility. Just as Tu B’Shvat calls us to tend to the trees—to nurture what cannot yet be seen—our support of ALYN is an act of planting seeds for children whose full flourishing is still ahead. And just as Purim calls us to celebrate together, to give gifts, to share in one another’s joy, our community’s generosity is never more meaningful than when it comes with a spirit of connection and celebration.
This is why programs like Heels of Love and Wheels of Love are so powerful. They are not simply fundraisers—they are gatherings of people who understand that supporting ALYN is a joyful act, a communal act, a life-affirming act. When we come together, we are doing exactly what this season asks of us: nurturing growth, celebrating resilience, and bringing our best selves to the work of changing children’s lives.
In the weeks ahead, I hope you will look for opportunities to deepen your connection to ALYN’s mission—whether by participating in an upcoming AFAH event, sharing our story with someone new, or simply pausing to appreciate the miracle of what is being built in Jerusalem, one child at a time.
