Hesed days have long been a special part of the Heschel experience, offering students the opportunity to engage in both community service and grade bonding during dedicated days each semester. From park cleanups to packing or delivering food, these interspersed days enrich students’ learning with kindness.

Beyond these days, the 9th and 12th grades further commit themselves to Hesed through weekly projects. 

Every week, a 9th grade advisory travels to Manhattan Children’s Center, a non-profit dedicated to providing support and education for autistic children, in order to spend time conversing and interacting with students.

Speaking of his experience at MCC, freshman Hayden Ingberg said, “I really enjoyed going to the Manhattan Children’s Center because I got to spend time with kids that I normally wouldn’t. It was fantastic and my partner and I played Uno.”

The seniors’ project has been cooking and delivering food to the Community Fridge on the Upper West Side, a fridge where anyone in need can pick up fresh meals. Each week, two advisories leave class early to prepare quesadillas and salad, while one advisory goes to deliver the food to the fridge.

“I think it’s really nice that Heschel builds in time for community service,” said senior Mia Perry. “It’s particularly meaningful that, as opposed to in previous years, we have a single yearlong Hesed project that our grade dedicates time to each week.”

Overall, these projects have been a great success and a fantastic way to involve students in volunteer work beyond the occasional Hesed day.