The sophomore grade had its day trip last Wednesday and had the opportunity to combine two very different activities, both equally rewarding. Their first stop was at Silver Lake Cemetery in Staten Island, one of New York’s oldest Jewish cemeteries, founded in 1892, where they raked leaves, cleaned up debris and planted new grass.

Most importantly, the students appreciated the meaning of performing “chesed shel emet” by learning about the mission of the Hebrew Fee Burial Association which devotes all of its resources to provide Jewish burial services for the indigent. The funds needed to keep the cemetery in tip-top condition are lacking and as such only through the efforts of volunteers, like our sophomores, can the cemetery be kept clean.

Our students were given a “walking tour” of the cemetery by Rabbi Ezra Berenholz, HFBA Educational Associate, who pointed out some of the most unique gravesites, ones that symbolize the American Jewish immigrant story of the nineteenth century. Several students found it hard to imagine what it must have been like not to have had any family members who could care for each other. One could sense that our sophomores were feeling extremely appreciative of their families that day, especially with Pesach approaching.

We had provided a planting activity for our kohanim outside of the cemetery. Because overgrown tree branches extended out and over the fence of the cemetery, the outside area was considered a part of the cemetery as well. Together with Rabbi Avery Joel, our kohanim spent a sunny morning watching a great golf game at the Silver Lake Golf Club. Who’s complaining?

Following their hard work, the students ate lunch under a beautiful sunny, blue sky at Silver Lake Park.

The sophomores then went on to enjoy Fun City USA where they laughed, schmoozed with their friends and took on the challenges of video games!