Part of the values and mission at Manhattan Day School is living a life of chesed and creating a foundation of midot and ethics. Each month MDS Student Council members choose an organization to donate the school’s collected tzedaka money. Last month, the student leaders chose Masbia, a network of kosher soup kitchens in New York, for their incredible work and in preparation for the middle school event with Masbia.
Rabbi Klein, chesed coordinator commented, “After a month of collecting money for Masbia through our chesed initiative for the chesed of the month, the students have an amazing opportunity to culminate their fundraising efforts and get their hands dirty and make the food that people in need will benefit from; It was an amazing experience. Students had a great time while going ahead and doing good as well. This is our goal: for students to learn to appreciate and love chesed.”
Wednesday morning, trucks arrived at MDS laden with fruit and produce to be cut, sliced and packaged for Masbia to cook and feed families at their various soup kitchen locations.
Each middle school student had the opportunity to hear directly from Masbia CEO Alex Rapaport about the meaning of Masbia, “Masbia means to be satiated, and our mission is to help families in need of food and comfort.” The Masbia logo, Avraham’s tent, embodies the values of hachnasat orchim, inviting guests. Masbia aims to create a comfortable environment for families and ensure that no one in need goes hungry, even during the most difficult of times.
Students were inspired by what they learned, and eagerly ready to prepare meals that Masbia brought to each location. Students worked together with faculty, Masbia staff and MDS administrators to peel carrots, cut fruit and package everything for Masbia to cook at their kitchens. “This was hard work and I loved helping and serving the local community and having fun at the same time!” commented Josh K., middle school student.
“The satisfaction the students had knowing they were helping people in need to get food encouraged them to do their best and work together to achieve their goal. They all asked when we could do this again!” commented Math Coordinator Miryam Alter.
MDS thanks all of those who participated and who helped sponsor and organize this meaningful event and looks forward to many other chesed opportunities in the future.
