A Conversation with Rabbi Philip Moskowitz
For Rabbi Philip Moskowitz and his family, the mission of Chai Lifeline’s I-Shine program is deeply personal.
After the illness and passing of their daughter Esti Moskowitz (A”H), the Moskowitz family searched for a meaningful way to honor her memory—one that reflected who she truly was. Known for her kindness, warmth, and remarkable ability to make every child feel included, Esti left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Today, through the I-Shine program, which supports siblings of families facing serious illness, her legacy of compassion, friendship, and positivity continues to shine in the lives of children who need it most.
In a conversation with South Florida Community Voice, Rabbi Moskowitz reflected on Esti’s life, the inspiration behind the program, and the powerful impact I-Shine continues to have on families navigating difficult times.
Supporting the “Unsung Heroes” of Illness
“When a parent or child gets sick,” Rabbi Moskowitz explains, “one hundred percent of your effort and attention naturally goes into that child.”
Medical treatments, hospital visits, and the emotional strain of illness can consume the entire family. But while parents focus on caring for the family member who is ill, another group often quietly carries its own burden.
“Very often the other siblings become what we call the unsung heroes,” he says.
Siblings often feel the shift in family dynamics deeply, even while they try to be understanding and supportive.
“It’s not because parents don’t care about them,” Rabbi Moskowitz explains. “It’s simply the reality of the situation when a family is dealing with a serious illness.”
What Is the Chai Lifeline I-Shine Program?
That reality is exactly what Chai Lifeline’s I-Shine program seeks to address.
I-Shine is an after-school program designed specifically for siblings of children whose families are facing serious medical challenges. The program operates in several communities, including Miami and Hollywood, Florida, and provides children with a dedicated space where they can feel supported, understood, and uplifted.
“For one night a week, the kids are showered with love, attention, and care,” Rabbi Moskowitz says.
Participants receive:
- Dinner
- Homework help
- Mentorship from teen volunteers
- Fun activities and games
- Emotional support from trained staff
More importantly, the program allows these children to simply be kids again.
“The other six nights of the week might be heavy at home,” he explains. “But the kids know that one night a week is theirs. They come home with huge smiles on their faces.”
That small window of joy can have ripple effects that extend throughout the entire family.
“I-Shine Like Esti”
When the Moskowitz family partnered with Chai Lifeline to support the program in Esti’s memory, the name itself came from within the organization.
“We were sitting around a table with members of the Chai Lifeline staff, and Henni Halberstam suggested the name ‘I-Shine Like Esti,’” Rabbi Moskowitz recalls.
“The moment she suggested that name, it just felt like a natural fit.”
The name captured something essential about Esti.
“She was an enormously positive kid,” he says. “She always wanted to make sure everyone was included. She always had a smile on her face.”
A Child Who Made Everyone Feel Included
Rabbi Moskowitz describes his daughter as someone with a remarkable ability to connect with people from all backgrounds.
“Esti was an incredible child,” he says. “She had a unique ability to connect with all different types of children and make sure everyone felt included.”
Her personality left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.
“She was happy, smart, inquisitive, sensitive, fun, funny, strong, resilient, and caring,” he recalls. “She had this incredible laugh and a contagious smile that could light up a room.”
But perhaps what defined Esti most was her kindness.
After shiva, the Moskowitz family received a letter from one of the Child Life Specialists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the compassionate professionals who helped guide Esti through many of her treatments.
“These amazing and sensitive young women helped distract Esti, helped her understand procedures, and guided her through many of her experiences,” Rabbi Moskowitz says.
One specialist shared a memory that deeply moved the family.
“One of the questions was, ‘What do you want a stranger to know about you?’
Esti answered, ‘I want a stranger to know that I am a kind person.’”
Rabbi Moskowitz says that answer has stayed with him ever since.
“So many children want to be known for what they can do—being smart, talented, or successful. Esti didn’t want to be known for what she could do. She wanted to be known for who she was.”
“She just wanted to be kind.”
Stories of Esti’s Impact
During shiva, the Moskowitz family heard many stories revealing just how deeply Esti had impacted those around her.
Her first-grade teacher at Katz Hillel Day School, Morah Shira Sharp, shared a conversation she overheard between two students.
“One student said, ‘Esti was my best friend,’” Rabbi Moskowitz recalls.
But Esti wasn’t actually her closest friend. When asked why she felt that way, the student gave a simple answer:
“Esti always made me feel included on the playground.”
Another family shared how Esti helped their daughter adjust after moving to Boca Raton.
“They came to our home for a Friday night dinner,” Rabbi Moskowitz says. “Their daughter was having a hard time adjusting and didn’t even want to come.”
Within minutes of arriving, Esti took the girl to play.
“We didn’t see them the rest of the night,” he recalls. “When they left, the daughter said, ‘Now I see I can make new friends in Boca.’”
Another parent later wrote about how Esti stood up for her daughter when other children were being unkind.
“My daughter told me about a girl who stood up for her and made sure she was included,” the parent wrote.
“That girl was Esti.”
Teen Volunteers Who Make the Program Possible
Today, the I-Shine program continues to grow, supported by an incredible team of staff and volunteers.
“The program is only as good as the staff who run it,” Rabbi Moskowitz says. “Chana Gibber does an incredible job running this program.”
One of the most inspiring parts of I-Shine is the dedication of the teenage volunteers.
Despite demanding school schedules, many high school students eagerly volunteer their time.
“There’s actually a waiting list to volunteer,” he says.
“They rotate students by semester because so many want to participate.”
For Rabbi Moskowitz, that commitment reflects something powerful about the community.
“These kids aren’t doing it for money or recognition,” he says. “They simply want to give back.”
Esti’s Light Continues to Shine
For the Moskowitz family, the I-Shine program reflects the very qualities that defined Esti’s life.
“It’s about positivity,” Rabbi Moskowitz says.
“It’s about happiness. It’s about making sure every child feels included and connected.”
The program has also touched their own family.
“My daughter Rena attends I-Shine,” he shares. “In our house, Tuesday night is the best night of the week. She comes home happy, fed, and in a great mood.”
While Esti’s loss will always be deeply felt, her legacy continues in a powerful way.
Through every smile, every friendship, and every child who feels included, Esti’s light continues to shine—bringing joy, kindness, and hope to families who need it most.
