Last week, 16 talmidim from the Yeshiva University High School for Boys traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana for four days to provide relief, assistance and strength to those who have been directly impacted by natural disasters over the past several years.

Students had the opportunity to volunteer at a local homeless shelter and provide meals and entertainment to its clients. Tzvi Sorotzkin, MTA senior, remarked that what he realized from spending time in the homeless shelter is that “you look at the people and think they are living a normal life, until you realize they are coming to the shelter for a meal. It makes us feel grateful for everything we have.” Another chesed opportunity that the talmidim had was to paint a multi-family house which will ultimately reduce the energy bills of these families significantly.

Talmidim were also able to explore the city of New Orleans, seeing the Saints play the Giants as well as the Pelicans facing off with the Grizzlies. Students received a tour of the iconic French Quarter as well as the legendary Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood. Rabbi Akiva Ackerman who attended the trip said, “It was truly incredible seeing our talmidim make a huge kiddush Hashem especially on these times.”