For the past two years, Yeshivat Noam sixth graders visited seniors every month at Daughters of Miriam, a nursing home in Clifton. This special and memorable opportunity was made possible by the Better Together™ program, which is generously supported through a Better Together™ Grant from a nationally recognized and respected foundation. On every visit, the students and residents participate in a joint art project related to the upcoming Jewish holidays, they talk about traditions and about school and life, and then they sing, accompanied by Rabbi Dr. Alex Mondrow, Yeshivat Noam Middle School psychologist, on the guitar.

As a component of the grant, the students wrote and submitted essays capturing their experiences. When asked to reflect, sixth grader Maya Krause wrote a letter from her 90-year-old self to her current-day self, which beautifully captures the depth of the experience. Here are excerpts from her award-winning essay:

“Once my skin wrinkled and I started using a cane to walk, it was as if the younger me became invisible. Now, people talk to me like I am a child. It is frustrating because I know I have so much experience to share. My voice may not be as loud, and my back may not be as straight, but underneath I am still that strong woman. When that time comes for you, remember the differences you made, even when it is hard to…

I want you to think of a senior in your life. This time, instead of saying a quick hello, or giving them a pleasant smile or nice hug, try something different. Ask them questions. Ask about their life and their memories. Get their advice. Give them the same attention you would want someone to give you today. Take advantage of all their life experience. Think of everything I just told you. They make look different. They may need help eating or getting out of their bed. They may talk more slowly and take a few more moments to get a thought out. But at the end of the day, they are just versions of you, but with many more memories and much more life experience. When you hold their hand, and ask them questions because you really want to get to know them, it will bring a smile to their face.”

It is exactly this value of caring about another person, understanding them and learning about them that we hope all of our sixth graders will internalize as they reach gil mitzvot and begin to plan their own lives as adults. We know they will carry this experience with them for many years to come.

By Aliza Chanales, Assistant Principal, Middle School, General Studies