SBH NJ “BETTER TOGETHER” UNITES HILLEL’S 8TH GRADE STUDENTS WITH SENIORS
MEREDITH COHEN
“TELL ME AND I MAY FORGET, TEACH ME AND I MAY REMEMBER, BUT INVOLVE ME AND I WILL LEARN.” THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL MESSAGE THAT IS THE ESSENCE OF THE BETTER TOGETHER PROGRAM. THE PROGRAM’S MISSION IS TO BUILD MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS BETWEEN OUR YOUTH AND COMMUNITY SENIORS.
This wonderful initiative was put together by the eighth-grade girls of Hillel Yeshiva and run by their assistant principal, Mrs. Rivky Edelman.
Every student is paired with a senior ‘partner.’ As the months go on, the students form a deep-rooted friendship. The students get to learn about their senior’s life, their family, and what they’ve accomplished throughout the years.
To make the program even more unique, each session is made up of a different theme and project, created by the students. For example, during our November session, the seniors got to enjoy a Thanksgiving play presented by the 4th grade students. Following the play, the 8th graders and their seniors discussed the importance of the holiday, how they used to celebrate when they were younger, and even made cranberry and apple pies together! For Purim, the students are planning a big celebration for the seniors, complete with costumes, music, and hamentaschen. Other programs planned by the students include a trip to Hillel’s Sephardic Heritage Fair, a Shavout-themed party and a year-end celebration.
By the end of the year, each senior will receive a book containing the interviews, photos and projects. The girls also make it their business to visit their seniors before Shabbat and holidays, securing their special relationships.
Throughout this program, the girls are learning so much about our community seniors while having fun. “We get to do hesed with the seniors, while benefiting ourselves by learning from them and having a good time,” said Hillel student Shelly Kassin.
Each month two students are picked to lead the program. This job and experience for them is so rewarding and fun they are all planning what they want to do for their month. “Last night my senior called just to tell me that she is excited for the next program,” said Sophia Goldschmidt. “It made me feel good to know that she thinks about me every day.”
As for the seniors, these moments have become exciting and something they really look forward to. It provides a sense of purpose and drive that is greatly beneficial to them. “Seeing the students every month brings me such joy, and to be able to talk to them and be a part of their lives is truly special,” said Pearl Mamiye.
Many seniors were so moved by the efforts of the students, that they independently composed letters expressing their heartfelt appreciation and words of advice to last a lifetime.
The stories and life journeys that are shared by the seniors will be etched in these students’ hearts forever and provide them with vital skills for life. They have all learned a new feeling of respect and love for our seniors.
Along with developing immense respect for elders, the girls have learned to be humble and kind.
May Hashem continue to shower our cherished seniors with blessings of health and love, and always continue to give our girls the feeling of growth and nourishment from this flourishing program.
To learn more about this program, contact Nina Safdieh at nhsafdieh@sbhonline.org.
Meredith Cohen is the Assistant Director of The Well in memory of the Sassoon children and a volunteer writer for SBH.
