On Monday, March 25, Ma’ayanot’s freshmen participated in a day of chesed, volunteering at a variety of local non-profit organizations. One group sorted and boxed clothing for Yad Leah, which distributes clothing for the needy in more than 30 communities in Israel. Other students visited residents at Daughters of Miriam in Clifton and brought smiles to their faces with song and dance performances. A third group volunteered at Catherine’s Closet, a non-profit in Newark that distributes dresses for girls in need and provides scholarships for volunteers.

Prior to the trips, the students learned about the Torah’s sources for chesed with Rabbi Zev Prince, assistant principal of co-curricular life. They also had an opportunity to reflect on the chesed they performed, identify a need in the community and brainstorm ways in which they can contribute by creating an organization which could address the need.

“Volunteering at Yad Leah taught me that for some people clothing donation gives them confidence,” said freshman Naomi Honikman. “When we send clothing, they know that they are part of a larger community of people who care about them.”