Congregation Beth Israel Students Give to Charity During Hanukkah

Sixth graders at Congregation Beth Israel’s Religious School in Scotch Plains created and staffed “Mitzvah Booths” to raise money for several charities at the synagogue's “Hanukkah Party and Mitzvah Fair” on Sunday, December 17. The students collected approximately $800 by running games and craft activities in support of their chosen charities, which included: the Alzheimer’s Association; the Azrieli Foundation that supports scientific and educational research; child abuse; Down syndrome; Holocaust remembrance; U.S. veterans as well as special needs groups. Fair participants purchased “band-aides” to be used at the Mitzvah Booths in order to help “heal the world.”

“We wanted to teach the children to look beyond the holiday presents and to focus instead on giving of themselves through their time and effort,” said Gail Beckman Buchbinder, Education Director of Congregation Beth Israel. “The Jewish concept of tikkun olam is one of ‘healing the world.’”

Co-sponsored by Congregation Beth Israel’s Religious School and Men’s Club, the Hanukkah party also featured food and entertainment for the whole family. Prior to its start, children and parents gathered in the synagogue’s sanctuary to light the Hanukkah menorah together with their teachers and clergy.