Rabbi Axelrod’s 10th grade MTA shiur had the privilege to go to the Masbia soup kitchen in Queens and help out in feeding the needy. The shiur split up into two groups, one group which helped with packaging in a room full of onions and potatoes, and another which, using their Russian-speaking skills, helped get people in need the food they required. In a couple of hours, the boys were able to package a large amount of vegetables, to the point where staff members at Masbia remarked that no group had ever packaged so many vegetables in such a short amount of time! The Masbia freezer was filled with sacks of potatoes and onions, and by the end of the day, the freezer was empty. Meanwhile, upstairs, some of the students who could speak Russian were able to help getting people’s orders. Many of Masbia’s customers don’t speak English so it is a comfort for them to find someone who speaks their native language.

The experience was very meaningful and heartfelt, and it helped cement for Rabbi Axelrod’s talmidim the meaning of the mitzvah of chesed.