On May 24, The Moriah School hosted an exciting, fun filled day in honor of the students’ accomplishments under the Mendel Balk z”l Jewish Life Fellowship, as well as in celebration of Yom Yerushalayim. The theme of the day was M’Yachid L’Yachad, From Me to We, transitioning from the focus on the individual toward the power of a unified community. Celebrating the achievements through this program in conjunction with Yom Yerushalayim on the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem, made it all the more meaningful.
“Yerushalayim is a city that unites all people together in holiness and purpose, and on a day like today we try to instill in our students the importance of our individual responsibilities as well as the value of achdut as we pray that the reunification of Yerushalayim can be complete with the building of the Beit Hamikdash,” said Rabbi Yoni Fein, assistant principal of Judaic studies & Jewish life.
The objective of the Jewish Life Fellowship is to inspire students through love of Judaism. The program is based on the famous proverb from Pirkei Avot, the world stands upon three pillars: Torah, avoda and gemilut chasadim. The goal at Moriah is to encourage students to incorporate these principles into their daily lives, not just in the classroom. Middle school students are involved in community outreach on a regular basis and have fulfilled more than 5,000 hours in their after-school chesed and talmud Torah. Many have created volunteer programs of their own. The day was divided into three segments, each focusing on one of these guiding principles.
The day began with an emphasis on Torah study through a mishmar session themed around Yerushalayim. Students were offered an in-depth understanding of the holiness of Yerushalayim and its pivotal role in our lives and in Jewish history. Students indulged in special treats as well as a delicious lunch compliments of Rock n’ Roll Sushi.
The second part of the day featured an exciting (and messy) color run event along with friends from Yachad. While fundraising was not a requirement to participate, prizes were distributed to those who raised significant amounts. Students collected close to $20,000 in support of Yachad and rejoiced in the opportunity to share an incredible afternoon together. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm (and powder paint clouds) as kids and faculty exuberantly charged through the Moriah parking lot. This event reinforced that “we” are a community inclusive of all our fellow Jews, and the focus is never on me, but rather on we. “It was truly inspirational to see the students of Moriah engaging in a day of fun and learning with their Yachad counterparts,” said one parent who came to observe the festivities.
“New Jersey Yachad was proud to join the students at The Moriah School for a day of fun and inclusion. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful partnership,” commented Chani Herrmann, director of New Jersey Yachad.
The day culminated with an outdoor kumzitz featuring musical entertainment provided by Zusha. Students enjoyed gathering on the lawn and singing together. They also indulged in a refreshing post-race treat from an ice cream truck which made a special appearance on campus. “This was the most meaningful and enjoyable day I have ever had here at Moriah. I have never been so enthusiastic about being involved,” said one sixth grade boy.
Rabbi Eitan Lipstein, director of student activities and the Mendel Balk z”l Jewish Life Fellowship, expressed his pride in the students and their accomplishments. “Through the Mendel Balk z”l Jewish Life Fellowship, our students have compiled over 5,000 combined hours of chesed and talmud Torah this year. By partnering with Yachad and helping to raise almost $20,000 for such an incredible organization, along with the special shiurim that our students participated in, we appropriately capped off a year of tremendous spiritual growth.”
The day was a huge success which incorporated Torah, avodah and gemilut hasadim. “Today fully captured the spirit of this message with students learning together, singing and praying together, and promoting inclusion in supporting the important work that Yachad does for our children,” noted Rabbi Fein. At Moriah, the foundation of Judaism is built on these three pillars of Jewish life which are clearly embodied by the students.
By Andrea Nissel
