The Yeshivat Noam community participated in a blood drive on September 2, facilitated by Community Blood Services, a not-for-profit organization that has supplied blood and blood products to hospitals in the New York-New Jersey region since 1953. Part of the start-of-year orientation schedule, the event helped to underscore the sense of community and caring which Yeshivat Noam is known for. Faculty, staff and parents were invited to come to campus to donate and the turnout was wonderful: the day’s blood unit goal was met by lunchtime and willing donors moved through the MS Gym throughout the afternoon.

“I think it’s great,” said fifth grade teacher Ilana Rauzman. “I’m hopeful that we can do more of these in the future.”

Fellow fifth grade teacher Rabbi Yehuda Minchenberg added, “A blood drive is wonderful because it gives you the opportunity to share something you’ll never even miss. It’s an act of true chesed because you don’t know who you’re giving to and the recipient doesn’t know who donated.”

“Plus,” the popular rebbe added with a smile, “you get free snacks!”