Last week, Yeshivat Noam’s eighth graders went on a local gemach tour, visiting nine local gemachs. The students traveled on four different buses, each going to five to seven gemachs in different orders. They included:
The founder of each gemach warmly welcomed the students and shared with the students their inspiring story about how and why they began their gemachs, how they work, who makes use of them and more. The students were engaged listeners and asked many follow-up questions about what challenges the gemachs encounter, how many people are serviced and many others. The students were asked to bring items to donate to the various gemachs such as packaged or canned food for the pantry gemach, gently worn clothing for Yad Leah and party dresses for the bat mitzvah dress gemach. (Thank you to the eighth-grade parents for sending in these items, especially the three beautiful bat mitzvah dresses!) Following their last gemach visit, the students spent time at Keter Torah reflecting on the morning and discussing questions like “How would you define a gemach?” “What needs in our community do the gemachs try to fill?” and “Who do you think should be taking items from a gemach?” It was inspiring to listen to their conversations. One of the conversations I enjoyed most was the students’ recognition that a gemach does more than provide for those who are financially needy. Gemachs facilitate a community of sharing, a community of individuals that work together to best use their strengths and resources for the good of the whole, and that anybody can be part of that sustainable connected community.
As I shared in a thank you letter to the participating gemach founders, “This is an incredible group of students and I think this trip, thanks to all your efforts and participation, will inspire the students to follow in your footsteps.” Abby Arfe of the pantry gemach responded, “Your students were so generous and many of the items that they dropped off were gone before Shabbos. Tizku l’mitzvot!” The children really enjoyed the experience. One boy’s mom contacted Yeshivat Noam and said that her son said the trip was “phenomenal.” She said, “Wow, I never heard him use that word.”
Thank you to all of the gemach volunteers for opening up their homes and storage facilities to Noam students, spending their time speaking with them and bringing your gemach to life. The students have already begun brainstorming about gemachs they could start, so it may be sooner than later! A common recommendation the girls suggested was for white graduation dresses. Stay tuned!
By Becky Katz
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