On May 8th, Yom Yerushalayim, The Ramaz School, in conjunction with the Moscow [hair styling] Salon in Manhattan, hosted a day of giving. For two hours, the salon closed its doors to paying customers and opened its doors exclusively to Ramaz students, faculty and friends who were donating their hair to the non-profit organization Zichron Menachem, which fashions wigs for cancer patients who lose their hair because of their medical treatments.

Zichron Menachem, based in Israel, offers complete support on a national scale to families in need, regardless of faith or gender. They grant immediate, practical and long-term aid to young cancer patients from diagnosis forward. They also provide physical and emotional support to parents and families. The Israeli-based organization offers a vast range of activities on a daily basis to an overwhelming number of beneficiaries. In recent years, Zichron Menachem has expanded its activities to encompass support for children with cancer-stricken parents.

Andrew Leibowitz, Coordinator of Student Life at The Ramaz Lower School and Youth Director at Kehilat Kesher in Englewood, told the Jewish Link, “This is a unique opportunity for our school and a powerful act of chesed which will undoubtedly inspire our students and all those around them.”

This certainly inspired sisters Dena Rich from Teaneck, a faculty member at Ramaz, and P’nina Seplowitz from Bergenfield, who both attended the event and donated a combined 16 inches of hair.

A total of eleven Ramaz elementary students (10 girls and one boy) donated their hair for this good cause along with three faculty members. All donors received cupcakes and a T-shirt acknowledging that they cut for the cause. The successful event was a great way to teach that giving can be fun.