Tenafly Chabad Academy students are very involved in chesed activities. The school is constantly involving students in both local and global opportunities for chesed. This week students had the opportunity to help pack food for Tomchei Shabbos to be delivered to neighbors in need, and to collect items to be sent to Turkey to the earthquake victims.

TCA’s eighth grade students had the privilege of joining the Tomchei Shabbos team in Bergenfield, and packing Shabbos food to be delivered to anonymous families across Bergen County. Upon arrival at the warehouse, the students received a tutorial regarding the proper steps and methodology of packing the food boxes. More importantly, the students were reminded that the presentation of the food within the boxes, as well as the quality of the food, was an essential ingredient in the packing. It is not just what we do, but also the manner in which we do things that matters. Therefore, being mindful of the feelings they bring to the recipients are as essential as the actual food. After the presentation, the students got to work, diligently following the menus and lovingly placing the items in the boxes. The sixth and seventh graders are looking forward to being able to participate in this mitzvah very soon.

From a global perspective, students were very sad to hear of the destruction after the earthquake in Turkey. TCA has been collecting ‘like new’ clothing and household items to be sent to those who lost everything in Turkey. After only a few days everyone was delighted to see the collection area starting to fill up with donations.

If anyone wants to donate items to be sent to Turkey, please drop them off in the security office at Chabad of Tenafly.