At the beginning of the school year, Heschel’s Hesed and Tzedek council oversaw the donation of 2,158 books that were no longer part of the school curriculum. 

Every year, members of the student government help unpack books for the year ahead. Penny Ratcliffe, the chair of the English department, noticed a buildup of titles that were no longer a part of the curriculum, prompting her to find a new home for them. Senior Rikki Tamir, Vice President of the Hesed and Tzedek council, explained that there are a surprisingly small number of donation centers that accept books, especially the large quantity that Heschel was parting with.

Heschel’s old books are now at Housing Works’ bookstore cafe in SoHo. The non-profit advocates for rights for individuals with AIDS and HIV and accepts donations of furniture, clothing, and books. Heschel students may be familiar with Housing Works’ thrift stores located throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.