ASHAR Begins Schoolwide Month of Chesed

By M.C. Millman

ASHAR launched its annual schoolwide Month of Chesed.

“The Month of Chesed teaches our students what chesed is,” Mrs. Debby Jacobson, ASHAR principal, shares with Rockland Daily. “It is about helping others through hands-on projects and through so many other ways.”

“When we spoke to Chai Lifeline,” Mrs. Jacobson says, “they said the best thing our students can do for their children is to make do-it-yourself craft kits.”

And that is how ASHAR students spent their chesed time over the past week. Students worked together, measuring ingredients into individual containers so hospitalized children could do a fun project on their own. In another do-it-yourself project, the students packaged a beaded lanyard key chain.

ASHAR also launched the Battle of the Cans this week. The battle is a good-natured competition between classes to see which can collect the most cans. The canned goods are donated annually to Tomche Shabbos of Rockland.

Another component of Chesed Month that will extend well beyond the month will be undertaken by the fifth and sixth graders. The program, which will be introduced by a Chai Lifeline representative next week, allows each class to adopt a Chai Lifeline child with a chronic illness. The students will also work to develop care package items throughout the year for their adopted friend and siblings.

Other upcoming components of Chesed month include a visit to the Hebrew Free Burial Association. Students will spend part of the day cleaning the cemetery after learning about kavod hamais. A visit to the Bi-Li (bilingual) special needs program is also planned. Students will visit Yiddish-speaking special needs students and spend time interacting and reading to them.

Seeing our students blossom after learning so many ways to help and give to others,” Mrs. Jacobson says, “is something so important we make sure to focus on it year after year at ASHAR.”