As part of Yavneh Academy’s Chesed Morning Initiative, the school has been partnering with Cafe Europa, an initiative facilitated by Middle School Dean Morah Jordana Baruchov. Dr. Aliza Frohlich contacted Cafe Europa’s coordinator, Lara Cohen-Harelick, to discuss how Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Northern New Jersey was maintaining their frequent gatherings for Holocaust survivors. Cohen-Harelick was eager to have Yavneh Academy students join for a session through their new phone conferences.

Morah Baruchov arranged for a group of middle school students to perform for the Holocaust survivors of Cafe Europa. Mia Polonetsky and Pacey Jacoby started the program with a tribute to the 75th anniversary of the Auschwitz liberation. Sarah Silver played “Hatikvah” beautifully on the flute followed by Avi Friedman on the piano. Adelle and Kaila Novoseller sang “You Are My Sunshine” and Tal Glassman sang “Vehi Sheamda.” The members of Cafe Europa were moved by the Yavneh students’ performances, who felt blessed to partake in such a meaningful chesed.

Yasher koach to Morah Baruchov and Dr. Frohlich for arranging the program and working with the students to make it a resounding success.