BPY was privileged to host the annual Chana Poupko, a”h, Chesed Day a few days before Lag B’Omer, on Wednesday, May 22. The Poupko family has so kindly and generously dedicated this day of chesed for the entire BPY community in memory of their dear daughter Chana, a”h, as a living tribute to her wonderful spirit, meant to inspire all of us toward a life of giving. At BPY, every grade has the invaluable opportunity to work on a unique project designed to share love, hope, caring and kindness with others. It is particularly appropriate that we have this program at this time—during Sefirah—when everyone focuses on improving relationships with others, following the example of Rabbi Akiva. May we always continue to be inspired by Chana’s memory—reaching great depths in our own hearts, and reaching great heights in the world of chesed.

First graders made pizzas and cookie dough to freeze and be donated to the Fairlawn Gemach. Second graders heard from the executive director of the Koby Mandell Foundation and made stress relief care packages, and beaded bracelets for children and teens in Israel. Third graders packed food for the Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Northern NJ’s food pantry, and then traveled to the food pantry in Teaneck, helping to get it ready for the weekly free shopping for Jewish families in need. They will also be making flower centerpieces to be used for the JFCS’s Café Europa program for Holocaust survivors. Fourth graders traveled to the Jewish Home at Rockleigh, played board games with the residents, and performed their own Heritage Fair songs. Fifth graders traveled to Chesed 24/7 in Spring Valley, helping label and pack food packages destined for bikur cholim rooms in hospitals. Sixth graders visited the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, packing and stocking items for the massive food pantry serving the entire state. Seventh graders went to Yachad NJ and worked with Yachad members to make packages to be delivered to residents at Care One in Teaneck for Shavuot. Eighth graders visited Yad Leah’s warehouse in Passaic to help sort, organize and pack clothing donations to be sent to Israel. Kol hakavod to all BPY students for their hard work!