“Practically perfect in every way.” Those were the rave reviews of the audience members who watched the students of RYNJ’s production of Mary Poppins. Every year the seventh grade students of the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey perform an original, Hebrew play based on a classic Disney story, and this year was no exception. For two months the talmidot spent much of their free time learning their lines, rehearsing, designing and painting scenery, creating costumes and props, and choreographing dance routines. All their hard work certainly paid off.
On March 25, the very industrious actresses performed their Hebrew production three times. In the morning and in the afternoon they entertained their fellow students, and in the evening they thrilled an audience of family members and friends. The play allowed the seventh graders to learn a great deal of modern Ivrit in a very fun way. Additionally, it created a strong sense of unity and camaraderie as they worked tirelessly together. Finally, the play became a meaningful opportunity to do chessed.
Each year the students select a worthy tzedakah to which to donate all the proceeds from the evening’s performance. This year the girls chose Project Ezrah, dedicating the performance in memory of Rabbi Yossie Stern, ob”m. Project Ezrah holds special significance for the students because the Stern children attended RYNJ, and Mrs. Stern is a beloved morah at the school. She told the talmidot that she was extremely moved about the dedication, especially since the performance took place on the night of the shloshim for Rabbi Stern.
After the play, the seventh grade tzedakah coordinators held a raffle for the audience members. The girls appreciated the generosity of local establishments: Dougies, Poppy’s, EJ’s, and Gotham Burger, who all donated gift cards for the raffle. This year’s play raised a record amount of money. The actresses were proud to present Project Ezrah with a check for over $1,200. Next week, the ba’alot chessed will take their act on the road to the Hebrew Home for the Aged in Riverdale, where they are sure to delight the residents when they present an encore performance.
By Morah Cindy Zucker
