Small acts of kindness can bring a smile to many. With that in mind, Magen David Yeshivah’s High School recently jumpstarted the new school year with an informative and interactive Summer Hesed Fair at the beautiful home of Rachelle and Joey Esses. The Hesed Fair was held in memory of Mrs. Peshy Brudny, A”H, a beloved Magen David teacher. The main goal of the afternoon was to encourage teens to engage in various hesed projects—that afternoon and for the future as well.
Many teens are at a loss on how to accumulate their hesed hours. With that in mind, Charles Anteby, Director of Special Programming, Sabrina Maleh, Director of Programming, and Andrew Leibowitz, Director of Student Life, organized this event with great efficiency. The Hesed Fair offered 28 different organizations in which one can offer help, while making a difference to enhance others as well as themselves. Each attendee visited each organization booth to hear more about their cause. If interested, they signed up for future volunteer work. With so many organizations to choose from, the kids can gain experiences that will help enhance their understanding of giving of themselves. Representatives from Chai Lifeline, Hatzolah, Just One Life, The Stella Liniado Rainbow Foundation, Yachad and Ohel to name a few, were on hand.
That was just a small part of the afternoon! Participants who worked within the fair received community service hours for the upcoming year. In one area a blood drive was conducted, a “Comedy Cure” station had participants telling jokes to help brighten a sick child’s day, balloons were sent with encouraging messages, and a Chinese Auction and bake sale were held as well. Young children made adorable arts and crafts for various organizations. Shabbat candles were created, as were decorative place mats, pretty challah covers, and beaded jewelry.
Magen David would like to thank hosts Rachelle and Joey Esses, its many sponsors for the afternoon, and the countless organizations that participated and their respected volunteers. Most importantly, the students of Magen David High School should be thanked, who gave of their summer to organize and execute the event.
As a result of this day, thousands of hours of hesed will be performed by hundreds of Magen David students over the course of the school year. With so much to do, the gorgeous and inovative afternoon proved successful for all involved. Not only was it a positive and uplifting day, but a great start to the new school year. If students or parents would like additional information on hesed hours they can email Charles Anteby at canteby@aol.com.
Randi Shomer is a community member, mother of four children, and a freelance writer for IMAGE Magazine.
