On Thursday, May 12, 16 students from Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School traveled with NJ NCSY to Houston to help with clean up and rebuilding in the wake of the recent and tragic flooding which damaged the United Orthodox Synagogues of Houston for the second time in less than a year. Erev Pesach, Rabbi Gershie Meisel, Regional Director of Southwest NCSY, reached out for help from fellow NCSY regions. Immediately, NJ NCSY, together with Murray Leben, chairman, and Rabbi Zev Prince from Ma’ayanot sprang into action, planning a chesed mission that resulted in a deeply meaningful and unforgettable experience for all participants and staff.
“Spending a weekend in Houston was an incredibly meaningful experience in many ways. For one thing, helping people who have literally nothing at this point, and making them smile was amazing. In addition, it was truly unbelievable to see how stunned people were by the fact that we came all the way from New Jersey to help. Working with Rabbi Katz and Murray from NCSY made the experience much more meaningful, as well. Overall, this chesed trip was truly an unforgettable experience and has inspired me to take part in more chesed opportunities. This trip has helped me realize how amazing and crucial chesed really is,” commented Ma’ayanot student Naomi Kutin.
“I’d like to thank Rabbi Prince from Ma’ayanot and Rabbi Katz and Murray Leben from NCSY for giving me this incredible, unique opportunity. Even though the work was difficult, it was all worth it when we saw what we had accomplished and how grateful the community was. The feeling you experience is priceless, the feeling knowing that you have made a difference in the world. This trip has inspired me to help out and do more chessed, no matter what it is or where I am,” added Malka Feldman.
“I love that we were able to make a huge difference in such a small amount of time. It was extremely empowering. It showed that when we can truly accomplish anything when we put our minds to it,” expressed Dina Wagner.
“It was a pleasure to work with Houston NCSY. The girls once again outdid themselves, completing two days of work in one, in the name of doing chesed for others,” stated Rabbi Ethan Katz, regional director of NJ NCSY.
