Why did we get involved in Yad Leah?

Our involvement in Yad Leah started with our neighbor, Jessica Katz. We always see how much effort she puts into the organization and we wanted to be part of something bigger than ourselves. We have been taught by our parents and our yeshiva from the time we were little about the importance of giving to others. Chesed is one of the pillars that the world stands on. Additionally, we know how important it is for people to have proper clothing and to feel like they fit in. We know the good feeling we get when we wear new clothing. It gives us confidence to be the best we can be. Therefore, we want other people to feel the same way too. We understood that getting involved in Yad Leah would help people have that special feeling.

We were the student leaders of the RYNJ Dashers and we enjoyed recruiting friends and family members to participate in doing a wonderful mitzvah. We thank them for supporting such a special cause. We had 52 team members and we raised over $3,000—which was way above the goal that we set for ourselves.

On Sunday morning, we were so excited and enthusiastic when we got to Overpeck Park. We knew when our cars pulled up that this would be a day to remember. Seeing so many volunteers giving of their time to help, looking at everyone’s faces as they were getting ready to run, and dancing with our friends to the warm-up music really got us pumped for the race ahead. We are so proud of our classmates from RYNJ and all of the other participants. At the end of the day, we came home feeling that we made a difference.

By Tamar Wietschner and Tali Pfeiffer, RYNJ eighth grade

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