When one performs an act of hesed, it becomes a domino effect, as one good deed leads to another. Recently, Magen David Yeshivah held a fun-filled carnival in honor of the Torah School for Special Children, a school that focuses on the needs of Jewish children born with Down syndrome. There was a superb turnout, and everyone was very excited; the night was filled with acts of generosity and kindness.
“To dance with the students from the Torah School for Special Children not only brought simcha to each student, but also created a sense of joy in everyone who participated,” said Rabbi Baruch Hilsenrath, principal of Magen David Yeshivah.
Magen David Yeshivah students perform acts of hesed on a regular basis. With this in mind, parent Randi Levy recruited her son Nissim and his friends, and made a spiritual visit to the students at the Torah School for Special Children. While performing community service, the boys were so overtaken by the school, they wanted to do more.
“I wanted to teach our children how to enjoy the mitzvah of making the children happy for Purim. By performing this mitzvah the Magen David students learned how to interact with children, and the children responded with happiness and affection. I was hoping they would learn not just to get, but to give,” said Randi Levy
With the incredible help and guidance of 7th grade teacher Ilana Mehl, the girls transformed the gym into a festive carnival atmosphere. The 7th and 8th grade girls spent many hours enthusiacally preparing for this special event. Creative posters brightened the walls, beautiful mishloach manot (gift baskets) were prepared for the guests, and face painting, dancing, and clowns added to the aura.
“It was a great opportunity for the girls to immerse themselves in an act hesed and to give of themselves to others,” said Ilana Mehl.
Many of Magen David’s rabbis, teachers and parent body happily danced with the children, while others made sure each child was able to enjoy each facet of the carnival.
Many thanks to Randi and Joey Levy, for organizing and sponsoring the event, Joey Cohen for the entertainment, Jacqueline Tawil for the balloons, and to Chantilly for the delicious desserts. Thank you to Rabbi Hilsenrath, Rabbi David Sultan, Rabbi Rosenzweig, President Eddie Esses, Ikey Dweck, Ilana Mehl, Rochelle Beyda, and the entire faculty for their guidance, approval and hands-on assistance during the event. A special thanks should go out to the students who selflessly brightened the lives of many children in the spirit of Purim.
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Randi Shomer is a community member, mother of four children and a freelance writer for IMAGE Magazine.
