With much anticipation and excitement, the winners of the 4th Annual Haim Dweck Hesed Competition were announced in front of their families and classmates. The competition challenged MDYs 6th graders to come up with ways to reach out to others in need of help and extend kindness to them.
It has been a pleasure to honor the memory of my husband, Haim Dweck AH. The Dweck family is happy to award the winners and to help further their Torah education. Thank you to my grandson Hymie Dweck for starting this foundation and to all my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, said Mrs. Julie Dweck.
As part of this years competition, participants were asked to submit one-page ideas for a hesed project that will help someone other than themselves. With a record-breaking response, more than 70 projects were selected by Rabbi Hilsenrath and Rabbi Sultan as ideas that could be implemented. Those students were then asked to execute their projects and submit an innovative presentation through a video, slide show, scrapbook, poster, journal or other creative idea.
The Torah talks about two ways of giving tzedakah. One way is to give with your hand, and most importantly, the other is to give with your heart. We honor four students today in memory of Mr. Haim Dweck AH, said Principal, Rabbi Dr. Baruch Hilsenrath, who then introduced special guest New York City Councilman, David Greenfield.
What is happening today is very important. Mr. Haim Dwecks impact was very important to this community. His legacy shows how one person can make a difference. I congratulate the winners, Magen David Yeshivah and the Dweck family.
The Haim Dweck Hesed Award, a $10,000 scholarship that is divided between the four finalists, is sponsored by the children and grandchildren of Haim Dweck, in his memory.
Today we attempt to connect the past with the present. My grandfather loved to make others happy. Thank you to Magen David Yeshivah. Our message is simple; the few people we meet offer us the opportunity to make a difference. Hesed helps heal, is holy and is here. Let your heart lead you to what you need to do, said Hymie Dweck.
The four finalists were chosen by Rabbis Hilsenrath and Sultan based on their creativity, execution, and presentation. This competition challenges students to think of others before themselves. This is an important step in maturity and awareness of the world around, said Rabbi Sultan.
The recipients were called up to describe their projects and receive their awards. The winning entries were:
Esther Balassiano: who called her project, Let me be Your Write Hand Man. Her idea was to bring students who missed school class notes and assignments so that it is easier for them to catch up once they return. This helps students feel less nervous and anxious about missing school. Vivian Gindi created Kidskook, a cookbook for kids that includes recipes children can make for themselves. The book, which was published as a 100% donation, includes recipes from friends and family and the proceeds are being donated to the Sephardic Bikur Holim Food Pantry. This cookbook was printed at no cost. This enabled all of the proceeds to go directly to SBH.
Lauren Laniados project, was called Birthday Magic. Lauren found out the birthdays of residents of the Ahi Ezer Congregation Nursing Home and brings cards and cake for each person to celebrate his or her special day. I love to celebrate birthdays. I visited the elderly and helped celebrate their birthdays.
Mary Salem, along with a few close friends and family, bought CD players and candy filled dreidels for kids from The Special Childrens Center. The gifts were given to each class for Hanukah so that the children could celebrate the holiday with special treats and music. The children enjoyed the Hanukah parties with Mary and her friends and family. I became aware of The Special Childrens Center and wanted to help. Bringing happiness to others, and seeing the children smile, stays with you.
Congratulations to all the winners. The Dweck family hopes to continue the Hesed Scholarship on a yearly basis, and was pleased with the tremendous response. Thank you to principals Rabbi Hilsenrath and Rabbi Sultan for selecting the winners. A special thank you to Corinne Kotler for all of her hard work throughout the competition.
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Randi Shomer is a mother of four children, a community member, and a freelance writer.
