The seventh grade class of Yeshivas Mevakshai Hashem from Brooklyn recently made a much anticipated trip to Oorah’s headquarters after months of fundraising for Oorah. The boys raised enough money to sponsor a prize to be included in the 2018 Oorah auction.
As part of a school project to fundraise for different local organizations, the class of 28 boys were quick to choose Oorah, not only for their love of Fiveish, but more importantly, for Oorah’s mission. After receiving multiple letters from the boys reiterating their hakaras hatov for Oorah’s impact in the kiruv sphere along with sharing their plan to raise funds, everyone at Oorah was filled with nachas when Mivakshai Hashem reached their goal. The boys were invited to visit the Oorah office to gain a deeper appreciation for how much their project would impact Oorah’s families.
The boys were thrilled to have the opportunity to visit Oorah, especially during the hectic pre-Pesach season. The class toured the busy Oorah warehouse filled with boxes stacked to the ceiling in the midst of being packed with Pesach paraphernalia to be shipped out to thousands of Oorah families across the U.S. Bedikas Chametz kits, boxes of matzos, kosher for Pesach treats, along with other goodies were being packed into the beautifully decorated boxes as the boys arrived. While the class knew how much Oorah impacted kiruv families through various programs, they had not known to what extent.
“This is a completely different angle to Oorah. We really never knew just how much Oorah does!” said the boys’ principle, Rabbi Yehuda Gartenhaus, enthralled by the amount of love and care that went into packing each of the thousands of boxes.
Rabbi Chaim Reichman, director of TorahMates, welcomed the class, inviting them into the warehouse to show them each item that was packed into the boxes, along with the importance of the items toward showing the families the true meaning of simchas Yom Tov. Rabbi Reichman explained that each item is chosen to not only bring Yom Tov excitement to the Oorah families, but to teach them what Pesach is all about.
Mevakshai Hashem continued their behind the scenes view of Oorah while captivated by TorahMates coordinator, Rabbi Louie Friedman, retelling of a number of memorable Oorah stories. The boys also caught a sneak peak of the latest Shmorg while taking part in a delicious pizza lunch. Their eagerness was palpable as they received a Fiveish cap and t-shirt, only to be surpassed by their excitement when Fiveish himself made a guest appearance.
The highpoint of the day was the presentation of a larger than life certificate made out to the 7th graders, noting their generous sponsorship. Their hard work and tenacity certainly paid off, as they know how much their hard earned fundraising and efforts will impact Oorah’s kiruv families, bringing joy and excitement to their simchas Yom Tov.
[TLS – Press Release]
