of Giving Tzedakah The Satisfaction

Students learn the power of chesed by seeing firsthand how their donations help the Jewish community.

The Elementary School Ve'ahavta Chesed Campaign has featured a different chesed organization every month since September. Throughout the year, the campaign continued to be a truly immersive and allencompassing experience for the students. At the end of each month, students were asked to bring in their tzedakah pouches and drop their donations into a large tzedakah box. Donations were sent to each organization. Here is a summary of the latest campaign programs.

Chodesh Sh’vat

Bet Elazraki in Israel is home to more than 200 children in need of a safe and nurturing place to live. Lower and Middle School sent a list of questions to the children, and in return, each class received a video from the child that answered their questions. Personalized quilts were designed for each child based on their video. Students’ designs were then scanned onto quilts that will be sent to Bet Elazraki.

Chodesh Adar

Pantry Packers helps feed people in Israel who face nutrition insecurity. Volunteers deliver packages of non-perishable household food items to families, and deliver ready-to-eat meals to seniors at home. When Pantry Packers visited YOF, students participated in various packaging activities. Early Childhood students made beautiful placemats. This chesed program raised awareness about food insecurity in Israel and encouraged students and family members to make a positive impact in helping others in need.

Chodesh Nissan

Helen Keller Services for the Blind is an organization that helps indiviuals who suffer from vision loss develop independence. Professional instructors gave sensitivity training to YOF students and showed them how the organization trains visually impaired clients to use technology to help manage their daily lives.

Chodesh Iyar

Todah L’Tzahal (Thank Israeli Soldiers) empowers, embraces, and educates current IDF soldiers and also assists their transition back into civilian life after completing their service. Students wrote thank you cards and letters to express their appreciation to the soldiers for their commitment and sacrifice for all of Am Yisrael. Additionally, YOF extended the theme of hakarat hatov by selling gratitude grams that allowed students to thank family members, teachers, and friends for their invaluable roles. Funds raised were used to organize a pizza party in Israel for the IDF soldiers. Soldiers received the students’ notes and watched a video from YOF showing the Flatbush Family’s gratitude. Early Childhood students made signs for the party. The event was documented through photographs, recordings, and interviews with the soldiers to demonstrate the meaningful and impactful nature of a sincere and simple gesture of thanks.

Chodesh Sivan

Chai Lifeline’s mission is to help fulfill the social, emotional, and everyday needs of families impacted by illness, trauma, or loss through creative programming and practical assistance. Lower School prepared care packages to be delivered to children in need. Middle School held an auction to benefit Chai Lifeline, run by students and for students, coordinated by Ms. Dovrat Levi, Associate Director of Student Engagement.

The Elementary School Ve'ahavta Chesed Program is dedicated by The Douek Family Foundation.