As part of a global chesed curriculum, JEC students spent time on Tuesday engaged in a variety of chesed activities. These experiences offer important moments of character development and service.

Ninth grade students visited the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. They sorted, boxed and weighed hundreds of pounds of food that will be given out to those in need. As they finished their work, the plant manager addressed the students and charged them to use this experience to always be part of the solution! Students left feeling good about their contributions, and also thankful for all that they have.

The sophomores went to SCHI (School for Children with Hidden Intelligence) in Lakewood. They were given a full tour of the magnificent, state-of-the-art facility. Students then worked together with the students at SCHI to create beautiful artwork. “Spending time with these kids was really rewarding,” said Dovid Dembinsky. “It really makes you appreciate everything you have.”

The 11th grade performed an unbelievable chesed shel emet as they made a minyan and participated in all the stages of a burial for a Holocaust survivor who lived alone in Brooklyn. Partnering again with the Hebrew Free Burial Society, JEC students made the levaya possible and had the zchut to be involved in this kevurah. “Knowing that I was doing the ultimate chesed felt great,” said Shmuel Dershowitz. “It was a special form of service to another human being.”