Over the course of the year, WDS sixth grade students explored objects—their use, trends, shopping and value. When asked what gives an object a special value, the students came up with many ideas: its history, when used for a good cause, when it’s present or donation, because there is one thing that you cannot put a price on—a smile on someone else’s face. From this, the students came up with the project idea: נותנים חיוך (Giving a Smile).

The sixth graders and Morah Milka decided to buy mishlochei manot to send to sick people in Israel. They navigated an online Israeli supermarket, choosing goodies and cheerful packages, and had them delivered them to a medical clown. They sent along Purim cards they wrote in Hebrew with the mishlochei manot.

This project gave the sixth grade the opportunity to learn about medical clowns in Israel, who go into hospital rooms to bring cheer to those who are sick. They hosted Beni Frankel via Zoom who retired from the army after 30 years and became a medical clown. They had a chance to ask him questions about his life and the amazing group he is part of: הליצנים הרפואיים נלחמים על החיוך, The Medical Clowns Fighting for a Smile.

After writing the cards, the sixth graders shared them with the kindergarten. Under the guidance of Morah Ziva, the kindergarten students learned about Purim and drew pictures on the letters.

The cards were sent to Israel and attached to the mishloach manot the students ordered. The medical clown, Racheli Geuta, delivered them to kids in Tel HaShomer hospital in honor of Purim. When they saw what they created next to a smiling kid in the hospital, both the kindergarten and the sixth grade learned that by giving a smile, you receive much in return. #DoItforShira.