Emotional Dedication of Playroom in Memory of Bibas Brothers

Chabad of Ulster County held a moving dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday, August 30, for its newly renovated Ariel & Kfir Playroom, created in memory of Ariel and Kfir Bibas.

Members of the Ulster County community, families, friends, and supporters gathered for a morning of remembrance, inspiration and hope.

The program began with children Shmuly Hecht and Dovi Itkin reciting Psalms for the safety of Israel. Esther Rivkah Hecht and Lilly Itkin then read a poem about the playroom becoming a place of happiness and joy for children, while preserving the memory of Ariel and Kfir.

Rabbi Yitzhak Hecht spoke about transforming sadness into happiness, darkness into light and negativity into positivity, drawing inspiration from the Torah portion and the concept of blessings that can emerge from difficult circumstances.

Maurice Shnaider, great-uncle of Ariel and Kfir, shared heartfelt and emotional words with those gathered. He expressed his deep appreciation to the Rabbis and Rebbetzins who continue to lead the community in turning sadness into joy and bringing inspiration and connection to so many, as well as to everyone who helped make the playroom a reality and joined in the special dedication.

Rabbi AB Itkin led the affixing of the mezuzah, followed by the ribbon cutting and reading of the dedication plaque. The ceremony concluded with the blowing of the shofar in honor of the month of Elul.

The Ariel & Kfir Playroom will serve children and families throughout the year as a place for play, connection and joy, while preserving the memory of Ariel and Kfir for generations to come. Chabad will also be launching a Mommy & Me program along with children’s Shabbat and Holiday services in the new space.