Mitzvot from the Heart: Daphne Levy

As a part of her mitzvah project, Daphne Levy (left) plays the flute during a performance at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital. Her sister, Evyn, plays clarinet, at right.

Daphne Levy 

Congregation Shaare Emeth

Daphne performed for the patients and staff members at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital because she loves playing music and wanted to share it with others. “Having played at nursing homes in the past, this time she particularly wanted to entertain children and make them happy,” said her mother. 

Daughter of Joelyn and Ed Levy of Creve Coeur, Daphne played the flute and enlisted her sister, Evyn, to play clarinet for the performance. Her father also accompanied her on the piano for some of the pieces. 

The audience really enjoyed the concert. Daphne said, “Even though the audience was small and some of the children had to listen while lying in bed, the reaction of one little girl who clapped her hands and bobbed her head to the music made it all worthwhile. Music can be healing, both for those listening to it and for those playing it.”

Added Lauri Tanner, president and CEO of Ranken Jordan, “We all enjoyed them, but when I saw how happy their playing made the kids…can’t beat that. I hope they come back.”

A student at Ladue Middle School, Daphne also donated part of the money she received for her bat mitzvah to Ranken Jordan and bought them some items from their wish list.

Ranken Jordan is a pediatric bridge hospital providing a continuum of care for medically complicated children and their families.