F. MORGANO
In the words of Principal Rabbi Cohen-Saban, “Hesed is not simply giving tzedaka. It’s something that is part of our daily lives. It’s who we are. It is noticeable in our every action.”
The students and teachers took a break from their regular curricula to spend the entire day participating in acts of hesed throughout the community. The day was arranged in conjunction with Elissa Menaged from SBH as she planned and mapped out all the stops the students visited. In eight different locations throughout the community, our students volunteered their time and participated in several activities and social events.
After a brief and inspiring introduction by Charles Anteby, CAO of SBH, the day started with all of the 8th graders working in an assembly line in the gym preparing meals for the SBH food pantry. The 118 eighth graders prepared mini-hot dogs, knishes, yebrak, and breaded chicken fingers that would later be distributed to needy families throughout the community. Volunteers from SBH were on site to help the students produce enough meals to fill 100 aluminum tins and 40 containers of yebrak. The students were then divided into four groups and headed out for different locations and experiences.
The first group stopped at the Otsar home for special needs adults. The students socialized, danced, made creative art projects, and conducted a Hanukkah-themed grab bag. One parent observed that the Otsar personnel were so impressed with our students and how they interacted with the residents. One staff member commented, “MDY was the best school visit of the year.” The students brought a surge of positive energy and smiles to the faces of every participant.
Mrs. Dembitzer, 8th grade math teacher remarked, “The staff at Otsar complimented our students’ amazing effect on the residents they interacted with.” The same group spent the afternoon at Bobbie’s Place, a higher-end thrift store for gently or never-used clothing. They sorted, racked, and displayed the clothing for potential sale to new customers. “I thought it was great to make someone else’s day just by smiling,” student Joey Ftiha commented.
Another group of volunteer MDY warriors rushed to the assistance of Chai Lifeline. The students spent the morning sorting and packing donated toys into age appropriate boxes. Each student was then assigned to shop for Hanukkah toys for a “child” in need. The students gathered the toys on the list and prepared them for the holiday. Jack Franco said, “It was fun. We enjoyed helping the less fortunate at holiday time.”
Another group of volunteer MDY warriors rushed to the assistance of Chai Lifeline. The students spent the morning sorting and packing donated toys into age appropriate boxes. Each student was then assigned to shop for Hanukkah toys for a “child” in need. The students gathered the toys on the list and prepared them for the holiday. Jack Franco said, “It was fun. We enjoyed helping the less fortunate at holiday time.”
The group then met up with several residents of Harmony at SBH on Kings Highway in the afternoon. The students, parent volunteers, and residents socialized, danced, and made mini-pizzas for an afternoon snack. Bonnie Dweck, 8th grader, added, “It was great to meet Siona. She is passionate about her hobbies and loves cooking. She was so bubbly and fun to talk to.” It was an afternoon full of laughter and smiles for all.
A third group of volunteers from MDY headed to the SBH food pantry. There, they sorted and packed boxes of food that would later be delivered to needy families throughout Brooklyn.
This group’s second stop was the Ohel residence for special needs adults. The students danced, socialized, and made holiday-themed art projects in a large lounge with the residents. The impact the students had was palpable. Reece Salama, 8th grader, commented, “This day inspired me to do more hesed. The second I met Pam and David, smiles lit up their faces.”
The students of yet another group visited the residents of Ahi Ezer, an assisted living facility for the elderly and for people with disabilities. They conversed with the residents and spread positive energy and good vibes. For their second experience, this intrepid group of hesed-spreading apprentices headed to Imagine Academy. There they met the residents in small groups in their private rooms. Eighth grader David Tawil said, “It made me feel happy to contribute and spread kindness.” MDY 8th grade science teacher and staff photographer Mr. T.W. noted, “I don’t think I have ever photographed this many smiles in this short a period in my life.”
The day was dedicated to the memory of esteemed community member Joe Sutton A”H. Mr. Sutton was a man who made hesed part of his daily life. One parent who knew him well commented, “Helping others was like breathing to him; it was part of his nature.” The day ended with a few kind and inspiring words from Isaac Hazan, grandson of Mr. Sutton.
“A wise rabbi once said that anonymity is the highest form of charity. That sentiment captures Joe Sutton perfectly. We can go on for pages and days discussing the various people he helped, advised, impacted, and influenced, either emotionally, physically, financially, or any other way imaginable. However, because of his humility, he would bristle at the recognition and accolades.”
That is the message the students learned from participating in Hesed Day—to give freely and generously by spending time giving to others and allowing hesed to be a part of their nature.
Frank Morgano is a 6th & 8th grade ELA teacher and staff reporter for Magen David. He has been a teacher for over 23 years and enjoys reading, playing guitar, hockey and Korean sword fighting.
