Chesed Mission 2015/5775: Day 6

We started the day by visiting Aleh, an institution that cares for children with severe mental and physical disabilities. Despite their challenges, Aleh attempts to give them as much of a normal life as possible by engaging the children in activities such as singing and painting. I went to a room known as "technology class," where the children were given iPads and were able to play instruments using a special app. The way the teachers interacted with the children was amazing; they acted with so much enthusiasm, ensuring that every child engaged in the activity, even if they were hesitant in the beginning. I was paired with a girl named Shirley, and the way she smiled after "playing the piano" was absolutely amazing. After about a half an hour, we switched rooms, and I went to dance with some of the children. Although I was intimidated at first, after watching not only the teachers, but also the other students on the Chesed Mission interact with the children, I soon joined in. I can't even begin to describe how I felt when I finally got one girl to dance and play the tambourine with me.

Afterwards, we went to Schneider's Children Hospital, where we went around giving gifts to patients. While it was upsetting to see so many children in the hospital, their attitude change was amazing when offered a gift . But it wasn't only that- the astonishment and gratitude of the parents when they realized not only that the gifts were free, but also the fact that we came all the way from America to give them, was amazing. Some of us went to the Oncology Unit, where one mother gave out bracelets in support of her daughter, who is fighting Leukemia. We took pictures wearing the bracelets and sent them to the mother, who told us how much she appreciated and needed the support.

Next we went to Afikim, an after school program for at risk children. Each of us paired with a child from Afikim to complete an art project with them. I worked with an energetic nine-year-old named Noa whose comments and intelligence kept me laughing the whole time.

After a short break, we then proceeded to visit an army base with Standing Together in order to give gifts and say thanks to the Israeli soldiers. We danced and sang with many of the soldiers. We also gave out hotdogs and drinks to uplift their spirits. After talking to some soldiers for about a half an hour, I turned around to see a soldier, Itzick, who I had met last year at a different army base. After getting over our initial surprise, we soon began to talk about what had happened this past summer, and when I told him that American Jews followed the news and pray for Israeli soldiers every day, he was shocked to hear of our dedication. It was truly amazing to see the shock and happiness on his face when he realized the level of dedication and connection that American Jews have for Israel, and how much we appreciate the soldier's service. And the level of excitement of Koral, a girl I had met last year, was absolutely incredible. For me, the excitement of the soldiers not only validated our trip to the base, but also, when coupled with today's trip to Aleh, really validated the entire Chesed Mission in general.
 ~Shani Zenilman

Chesed Mission 2015/5775: Day 5

Today the Chesed Mission packed food for the needy at Pantry Packers, empathized with the disabled at Dialogue in the Dark, interacted with children at Emunah's Achuzat Sarah Children's Home, and visited Israeli soldiers at an army base.

We started with Pantry Packers, an organization run by Collel Chabad, that packages and delivers food to poverty stricken families in Israel (all with a smile). We were placed into groups and packaged rice for the needy in a high tech facility. We all left after a fun experience feeling good that we were able to be a part of the Pantry Packers mission of packing food for Israel's neediest.

After that, we went to the Israel Children's Museum in Holon to experience "Dialogue in the Dark," which sensitizes people to the challenges of the blind. All I have to say is wow. I always sympathized with the blind, but today I empathized with them. I never realized what their life was like and what a struggle it is for them every day. It was a real eye opener.

Then we went to Emunah's Achuzat Sarah Children's Home, a home for children who face many challenges at home. This was my favorite stop of the day. This home offers children-at-risk places to sleep, hot meals and most importantly, love and care for as long as they want. The Yeshivah of Flatbush girls were able to take part in an art project with the girls at Achuzat Sarah, while the Yeshivah of Flatbush boys played exhilarating games of soccer and basketball with the boys of Achuzat Sarah. Afterward we went inside for singing, dancing, and dinner. We ended our visit there with an amazing Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration. Children from Achuzat Sarah who were celebrating their bar and bat mitzvah all received huge bags of goodies sponsored by the Yeshivah of Flatbush Elementary School Bat Mitzvah program and our Chesed Mission. This place had an incredible impact on me because these children were full of life and love. It really made me appreciate the loving family that I have.

But our day didn't end there - our last stop was the Army Base to thank Israeli soldiers and to hand out bags of clothing too them. The room was full of energy it was incredible. We danced, sang, and gave out presents. These soldiers are my heroes. I thought it was so moving how these soldiers who put their life on the line every day were able to find the energy to dance and sing with us. It felt great to show them our appreciation and to have fun with them. Although we can never really convey how grateful we are to them, it's a start. ~Danielle Ashkenazie

Chesed Mission 2015/5775: Day 4

After a Chesed packed two days, Shabbat came around. We were very excited to spend Shabbat in Jerusalem. Friday night dinner was extra special with touching messages from Rabbi Hertzberg, principal of Yeshivah of Flatbush Elementary School and many alumni who are studying in Israel for the year. After dinner we all sat around and sang many songs. On Shabbat day, we had lunch and heard great speeches and stories from Rabbi Besser and Susan Franco. After the meal we had another meaningful round of singing. Shabbat was also a time for us to socialize and get to know the members of Chesed Mission on a deeper level.

On Saturday night we had the opportunity to thank our brothers and sisters that defend Israel. We visited an army base with Thank Israeli Soldiers. The smiles that the soldiers had on their faces were life changing. There were so amazed that Americans came to say thank you to them. We danced and sang with the soldiers and spoke to them about their army experiences and how they want to spend their time after leaving the army. Rabbi Besser then recited a meaningful tefillah for the soldiers. We gave the soldiers bags of gifts and clothing and they were so grateful and excited. They kept thanking us for the gifts, but we couldn't stop thanking them for serving in the army and protecting Israel. ~Pam Cohen

Chesed Mission 2015/5775: Day 3

Today, we woke up with smiles and butterflies for the next day of the chesed mission. It was going to be our first Friday in Israel. Some of the girls woke up before sunrise to go to the Hadaya store. They picked out jewelry with Hebrew scripture engraved into each piece. We then went back to the hotel for breakfast. As per usual, we left the dining room with our stomachs full and waistbands stretching - we ate too much shakshooka again! 

We all gathered onto the bus and headed to the Michael and Lola Goldstein Emunah Day Care Center. The children come from needy families who need help to support and watch over their children. The center also provides services for parents in order for them to build healthy family lives. We interacted and played with them. We also blew bubbles with them, which the children really enjoyed. They smiled and giggled and lit up the room with happiness. Of course, it was contagious and before you knew it, we all couldn't stop smiling! We ended off the visit with delicious desserts made by the wonderful women that work at the center. 

Our next stop was the Machane Yehuda Shuk to buy some Shabbat treats! We headed to the most crowded market in Jerusalem right before Shabbat. We bought candy, fruit, falafel, and pink pickles. We got a taste of what it means to prepare for Shabbat in Israel. We look forward to spending Shabbat in Jerusalem. We miss our family but no worries, Rabbi Besser, Mr. Galpert, and Senora Shterenzer are taking great care of us! We can't wait for Shabbat and the week to come! ~Esther Bildirici

Chesed Mission 2015/5775: Day 2

Today was the first official day of Chesed Mission 2015. Our first chesed mission day was a blast and filled with tons of chesed activities that inspired each and every one of us. We started the day by visiting Ilanot, a school for children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. The children put on a musical performance for us, taking great pride in their choir. We then mingled with the children and the instructor gave us an important task: to look at the children and look past their disabilities. Hodaya, one of the students who sang a beautiful solo left us with an amazing message that even limitations can not stop us from achieving your goals.

We then proceeded to Hadassah Hospital where we divided ourselves into 3 different floors to hand out toys and presents to children. We walked into each room introduced ourselves and got to know the children. Many of the parents explained to us what their child was going through and that they were filled with joy that we came to make them happy. Just by seeing their smiles all of us knew that were were doing something great. We left by acknowledging the wonderful care the staff and nurses were providing. 

Our third stop was to Shalva, where we met the founder, Kalman, and heard the amazing story of his son, Yosi, who is known as the "Helen Keller of Israel." We then had a dance party and rikkudim with all the children there.

We then visited Caliber 3, a special counter-terrorism training site, there we heard from a mother who lost her soldier-son in Gaza and then were taught self defence skills. With each stop of the day we opened our eyes and hearts and realized the real purpose of why we joined this mission. There is no better feeling than helping and putting smiles on people's faces. We look forward to all the chesed that comes next! ~Bettie Cohen

Chesed Mission 2015/5775: Day 1

The 13th annual Chesed Mission took off on Tuesday night, January 14th for a non-stop chesed experience in Israel. A group of 47 students and 5 faculty members, led by Rabbi Naftali Besser and Mrs. Susan Franco, decided to spend their winter break in Israel visiting the sick, dancing with soldiers, volunteering in soup kitchens, interacting with special children, and so much more.

We were all so excited to finally be in Israel for a trip we've been waiting a long time for. We gathered our luggages and headed straight for the kotel to pray Arvit. It was a very meaningful and holy moment for all of us. For some of us it was our first time in Israel, so we were beyond excited. These students kissed the floor by the kotel to express their excitement. One of these students, Junior Victor Zalta, said "just seeing the kotel for the first time was a very spiritual experience." We then checked into the Inbal Hotel and then went to Emek Refaim for dinner. We then went back to the hotel to pack bags of clothing for the soldiers we will visit on Saturday and Sunday night. It was a great start to a trip that I know is going to be great! I am looking forward to the many days of chesed ahead.

~Sophia Chabot

SGO Chanukah Fair 2014/5775

Chanukah is a time where the Jewish Nation celebrates its victory over persecution. It was more than a physical perfection, but an attempt to wipe out the Jewish Religion. Only through Achdut, unity, were the Chashmonaim able to overcome such large obstacles.

On Thursday December 18, 2014, 26 Kiskev 5775, the Yeshivah of Flatbush SGO, in attempt to embrace the Achdut, ran its annual Chanukah Fair. It was a time for teachers and students to come together in a non-classroom setting and to bond. These activities included karaoke, teacher vs. student basketball (for both boys and girls), Banana-Grams, cupcake decorating, and so much more. "This was the best fair yet!" said Albert Dweck of the junior grade. We were happy to see teachers, faculty, administrators and students participating together in all the activities.

A special thank you to Mrs. Sarah Marcus and Jennifer Anteby for helping to coordinate the event. We would also like to thank the teachers and administration for not only being so supportive, but for participating in the event and making it the success it was.

Your SGO 2015
Victor, Robyn, Sophia, Michael and Junie

The Phoenix 2014-2015 Issue 4

Flatbush Students Visit The New York Times

On December 16th, Mr. Hofstetter’s Journalism Class and the Phoenix Staff visited the New York Times. The day began with a question and answer session with Ethan Bronner and Michael Slackman, with questions ranging from subjects like “is the NYT biased against Israel” to “what would you be if not for a journalist” to “are women journalists at a disadvantage in certain countries.” Afterwards, the students were taken on a tour of the building, where they were able to see the editors in action at their desks. They were then taken through a hallway that showcased all 114 of the NYT articles that have awarded Pulitzer Prizes. The day ended with a meeting explaining how the NYT advertises on its website to attract new consumers. Students had a first hand look at how all the news are really fit to print. ~Shani Zenilman

Flatbush Students Volunteer at "My Grandma's Closet" Fashion Show

From left to right: Michelle Shammah, Sari Cattan, Renee Mizrahi, Esther Oved

Students from the Yeshivah of Flatbush recently had the privilege of volunteering in SBHs "My Grandma's Closet" fashion show. This benefit celebrated and honored the matriarchs of the community. The students' contribution to the event gave them a sense of doing chesed, while still having a great time!