Lone Star Chesed

Twenty sophomore girls headed to Houston in early December for a three-day chesed trip where they helped rebuild houses, gave out food to the needy, and distributed toys to underprivileged children in partnership with NCSY Relief. They were accompanied by JBHS faculty members Ms. Esther Spigel and Ms. Carolina Cohen.

On their first day in Houston, the girls visited the Sephardic

Congregation Beth Rambam and listened to Rabbi Daniel Masri. After lunch, they made a beeline to Wal-Mart to get toys, food, and other supplies they later disseminated to people in need.

The next day, the girls worked to help renovate a local home that had been destroyed during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. They were able to repaint parts of both the inside and outside of the home. After they got their hands dirty, they cleaned up for lunch and participated in an unforgettable kumzitz. The day ended with the seniors playing a Chanukah matching game with the 4th graders. dinner where they heard from the City Director of NCSY Houston, Rabbi Nati Stern. The rabbi spoke to the girls about different ways of giving back. They ended the night at a Houston Rockets basketball game.

In January, YOF parent volunteers who work in Hatzolah’s Flatbush Division spoke to students about what Hatzolah does for the community, and taught them what to do in case of an emergency. Each student created a safety kit.

Future featured organizations include Pantry Packers, Helen Keller Services for the Blind, Chai Lifeline, Bet Elazraki and Thank Israeli Soldiers (Toda L’Tzahal).

At the end of each month’s campaign, students are asked to empty their tzedakah pouches into a large tzedakah box.

The students began their final day of the trip at the Houston Food Bank where they were able to put together meals for the hungry. Afterwards, over pizza, they reflected on everything they got out of the trip and its most meaningful moments.