Last week, 13 TABC students, accompanied by their teachers, Rabbi Ezra Stone and Josh Longo, embarked on a three-day chesed trip full of meaningful and inspiring work. Chesed is a cornerstone of the TABC experience, which includes opportunities to participate in gradewide chesed days, disaster relief missions, and both local and longer distance trips.

The delegation’s first stop was to Kosher Food in Monsey where the boys packed Chanukah treats for the family members of Jewish soldiers in the U.S. military. The boys were surprised and proud to learn how many Jewish members of the military there are and got a head start on Tu B’Shevat by packing foods to be shipped to the soldiers overseas since it takes months to arrive. After a pizza lunch, the boys headed to Lakewood to volunteer at the Special Children’s Center where they decorated sufganiyot and held a chagiga for the children. The TABC boys brought their trademark ruach and were moved by the video the center showed them about its work.

From there, the group headed to their final destination in South Jersey. Before checking into their hotel, the chevra gathered in Rabbi Stone’s apartment for a gourmet meal provided by Mike’s Chicken Crunchers as they reflected on what they had already accomplished while relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. After check-in, Rabbi Stone organized an incredible night seder program with the Cherry Hill Kollel. Each student was personally greeted by the Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Yona Klahr, and then were divided into groups, some learning with the kollel members and some learning with Rabbi Klahr. After Maariv, it was on to TopGolf for a chilly, but fun night activity. When the boys returned to the hotel, they were surprised with some warm cholent that the Stones had prepared for a midnight snack.

The next morning, the boys volunteered at The Neighborhood Center for its annual Thanksgiving event, which provides food for the holiday for underprivileged families. The guys helped the local residents shop for food, and then delivered and organized it while they interacted with the beneficiaries. After enjoying delicious deli sandwiches, the group headed back home. It was an incredible and inspiring trip for all.