The Thursday of Chanukah was designated as Chesed Day for students in the JEC’s Rav Teitz Mesivta Academy. Though there are many small acts of RTMA chesed that take place on a weekly basis, this day is RTMA chesed on a grand scale.

Here are some of the highlights:

The ninth grade visited Zichron Dovid, a chesed center run by RTMA parent, Dr. Joe Rozehzadeh of West Orange, NJ. Dr. Rozehzadeh explained all the services that Zichron Dovid offers to help those in need. Students then had the opportunity to help pack food boxes for distribution.

The tenth grade spent the morning visiting residents of Daughters of Israel. “We had such nice conversations with the residents,” said Yair Kimmel of Hillside, NJ, “And I’m not sure who benefited more—us or them.”

The eleventh grade brought Chanukah cheer to the residents of the Edith Stein Assisted Living Center. Students danced and sang with the residents and even took requests for many classic Jewish songs that the residents remembered from their youth.

The twelfth grade went to Masbia Soup Kitchen in Brooklyn, NY. “I felt a real sense of fulfillment preparing food for those in need,” said Matthew Kraizler of Highland Park, NJ. Students packed over 250 meals, repackaged frozen chicken and cut hundreds of vegetables. It gave them perspective on their own lives, especially contrasted with the dining out experience that concluded their day.