As the year comes to an end, it’s time to reflect on the Hesed and Tzedek council’s substantial contributions and events.
Earlier this year, throughout the week of Sep. 23, the council hosted the first ever Heschel Open! This Pickleball tournament, with two players per team and $12 per team member to sign up, raised $1118 for Dignity Beyond Borders, an organization dedicated to providing support for families of fallen soldiers, 9/11 responders, and more.
As the 2026 election approached, the council organized Donuts for Democracy which took place on Oct. 9 and 10. During this voter registration initiative, council members volunteered to help people in our community pre-register or register to vote; each person who registered received a donut!
The council also continued a classic: Goals for Gelt. The tournament took place in December, with finals on Dec. 17. Each team had 5 players and each player paid $6. In total, Goals for Gelt raised $871 for Peace of Mind, an organization dedicated to supporting IDF veterans who suffer from PTSD and other psychological trauma.
Preceding winter break, the council organized a coat drive, collecting over 200 coats for people in need.
In March, the council honored the mitzvah of Matanot L’Evyonim, providing a meal for a Jew on Purim, raising $1517 for Masbia.
Hoops for Hesed, the annual basketball tournament, occurred towards the end of April. Donations went to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, and the council raised over $1700. This year, the council decided to make a separate all-girls bracket for the first time, and it was a roaring success! The council plans to continue having a separate all-girls bracket going forward.
The council has also hosted no fewer than three blood drives this year. Taking place on Sep. 25, Jan. 13, and May 7, there were a total of 182 donations, saving up to 546 lives.
Lastly, council members have continued to update the Volunteer Resource Guide throughout the year, a document that lists volunteer opportunities. Find this important document at the QR code above!
