When planning Chanukah programs, considerable efforts are often placed on emphasizing some of Chanukah’s long-standing traditions. Chagigot, sufganiyot, and zemirot are the norm and frequently serve as the basis for most activities. This year, however, the Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School (RKYHS) began a new tradition that has completely redefined the Chanukah experience for its students. In addition to the more stereotypical celebratory activities, students were thrilled to take part in the inaugural Yom Chesed, a day in which every single student engaged the local community in performing genuine acts of chesed and community service. The results from this amazing and inspiring day speak for themselves.
Hundreds of boxes of food were packed at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. Students actively participated in construction projects at two different Habitat for Humanity sites. Residents at the Lester Senior Housing Community were treated to a musical hallel. Serving as classroom assistants, students bonded with their peers through educational activities at the Horizon School, a school for students with Cerebral Palsy, and at Arc of Essex County, which educates young students with Down’s syndrome. Clothing and food were collected and subsequently distributed to over 50 disadvantaged individuals at Newark’s Penn Station, with students personally handing out the items to those in need. Residents at the Daughters of Israel nursing home were able to reflect on their Chanukah memories in a student-led program. At the Interfaith Food Pantry’s Holiday Bazaar, items were shelved and distributed, in addition to customers being guided by students in locating the products they needed. To foster inclusion, students joined together with New Jersey Yachad for bowling and conversation, and created budding friendships.
Yom Chesed had a profound impact on the students. Speaking of her Yom Chesed experience, during which she helped young children with Down’s syndrome, sophomore Nina Kahn explained that it “made me realize that although everyone is different, each individual should be treated with the same respect.” Junior Alec Rabinowitz, who distributed food and clothing to the needy, expressed that the experience “helped me realize how fortunate I am.” After volunteering at the Community Food Bank, packing boxes of food, freshman Jonathan Kirsch noted that his experience provided him with “a strong feeling of unity” with his local community.
While all of the above-mentioned accomplishments are certainly special and outstanding, the true success of Yom Chesed is in the change of perspective that it has brought about in the RKYHS students. Most school trips are geared specifically towards student needs and interests, yet it was immediately apparent to the students that this trip was different–it was not about the students themselves but, rather, what they could do for others.
With Yom Chesed as the school’s new Chanukah tradition, students now see that the joy of Chanukah is all the more meaningful when it becomes an opportunity to enhance the lives of others.
By Hal Levy, Director of Student Activities, RKYHS
