We are so proud of our Year 10 students who were given the opportunity to participate in a range of end-of-year Chesed initiatives. Over two days, they embraced the spirit of chesed (kindness) through their support of local charities. From packing hampers to baking cookies, their efforts made a meaningful impact on the community while fostering compassion, teamwork, and empathy. Read on for Year 10 student Claudia Fuchs’ reflections on this wonderful initiative

“The program reminded us to look beyond our own Moriah bubble“

At the end of Year 10, I had the privilege of participating in a two-day Chesed Program, which provided an invaluable opportunity to participate and engage in a meaningful way within the community. On the first day, I volunteered at Thread Together, where I assisted in sorting clothing donations. This experience allowed me to witness firsthand the incredible work they do to provide brand new clothing to those in need, promoting dignity and support for individuals facing challenging circumstances. It was a powerful reminder of how something as simple as clothing can make a significant difference in someone’s life.

On the second day, I joined JEMS, where my peers and I packed kindness bags filled with essential items and small gifts. The focus was on showing care and compassion to others in our community and, through this activity, we learned about the importance of kindness and the ripple effect it can have, regardless of the situation someone may be facing. 

Reflecting on these two days, I feel they were incredibly meaningful—not just for the people who benefited from our support, but also for my peers and me. The program reminded us to look beyond our own Moriah bubble and recognise the needs of those who are less fortunate. It highlighted how rewarding it is to step outside of our daily lives to help others, while reinforcing the strong Jewish value of giving back to our community.