The first half of this academic year distinguishes itself as an endless landscape of full school weeks. While this is a gift for consistent teaching time, the sameness of the schedule can certainly be monotonous.

At Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey this open space became a canvas, not just for a portrait of academic excellence, but for a masterpiece of communal giving.

“Mishenichnas Cheshvan Marbim B’Chesed,” when Cheshvan begins, chesed is increased, has become the motto of the school. From Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan through Chanuka, each class has been challenged to align itself with a charity or cause.

“This time of the year has always provided us with the chance for school wide hachnassat orchim (welcoming guests) in honor of Sidrat Vayeira, enthusiastic participation in the Bergen County Chanuka Toy Drive, and Chanuka performances at local rehabilitation centers,” noted Rabbi Harvey Horn, Judaic Studies Principal. “This year we are taking it up a notch and filling each day and each classroom with chesed opportunities.”

Under the guidance of Daniel Rothner of Areyvut, a list of suggested activities and possible resources was collected and distributed. Across the grades and subject areas, teachers are coordinating their efforts to achieve the greatest effects for their students and for the broader community.

“…I love the idea of participating in something school wide,” exclaimed Mrs. Tamar Kahn, first grade English teacher. And school wide it is, indeed! From the preschool donating artwork to Color a Smile, through the junior high boys organizing a drive to collect winter gear for the Netzach Yehuda IDF army unit and mini toiletries for “A Package from Home,” every division of the school is actively involved. Numerous classes have begun letter writing campaigns for the elderly, rehabilitation patients and injured veterans; bracelets have been made for pediatric patients at a local hospital. The sixth grade girls are preparing for a Teaneck Chai Lifeline Shabbaton, while the seventh grade girls begin their mitzvah clown training. Various classes have been volunteering within the school, partnering with other classes for one-on-one mentoring. The eighth grade boys will be lending a hand to the Hebrew Free Burial society. The seventh grade boys will be hosting a Friendship Circle event on Mitzvah Day.

“We hope that our students will be inspired to see themselves as members of the larger world community, to build lifelong relationships with good causes and citizenship opportunities, and to create a kiddush haShem (sanctification of God’s name),” anticipates Morah Leah Silver, program coordinator. “We are already enjoying the camaraderie and sense of purpose that is filling the school, and the momentum is propelling our students both academically and spiritually.”

The school-wide chesed initiative is set to culminate in an educational display. Each group is invited to present a collage publicizing its cause and explaining its project. It is anticipated that by Chanuka the walls of the school’s main concourse will be covered in informational and inspiring exhibits.

It is written in Tehillim that “Olam Chesed Yibaneh,” the world is built on kindness. Rabbi Daniel Price, Head of School proposes: “Our goal is to have the students of RYNJ feel empowered as philanthropists and to know that they can make a constructive difference in the world.”