Chabad Hebrew School builds giant toy Menorah for children in hospitals

Menorah on display in Monroe at ShopRite until Dec. 16 Monroe — The students of Chabad Hebrew School decided that the holiday time is a time for action. On Sunday, Dec. 9, many students and their parents met at ShopRite in Monroe to launch a toy drive. With tremendous team effort, and special guidance from Hebrew School parent Steve Pearlman of Chester, the group wrapped milk crates with decorative Hanukkah wrapping paper. The crates were cleverly assembled into the shape of a Menorah and filled with brand new toys students brought for the toy drive. Candles were placed at the top of the toy Menorah and several students were chosen to light the candles. Rabbi Pesach Burston, director of Chabad of Orange County, led the crowd in festive Hanukkah songs and inspired the children and parents with a meaningful holiday message. “In every person there is a spiritual menorah. When we do good deeds, we kindle our inner menorah and make the world brighter. The Hanukkah Menorah reminds us to constantly keep our inner light ablaze. Today,” Burston concluded, “you are all lighting the Toy Menorah, as well as your inner menorah through this special project.” The crates had room for more toys, and the children decorated signs asking shoppers to share the holiday spirit of giving by adding new toys to the menorah, which will be on display in Shop Rite Monroe until Dec. 16. Afterward, the toys will be given to children in various hospitals in Orange County. “The goal of Chabad Hebrew School is to bring Jewish traditions to life,” says Chana Burston, who directs Chabad Hebrew School. “We learned about the Menorah and that Hanukkah is a time for spreading light and joy. This creative project combines those lessons and will hopefully stay with the students for years to come.” “It’s really exciting to build a toy Menorah,” said Jordan Price, age 11 of Highland Mills, as she placed the Yahtzee game she brought on the Menorah. “It feels good to know that at the same time we’ll be making other kids happy.” Chabad Hebrew School has close to sixty students ages 5-13 and offers a choice of classes on Thursdays in Monroe or Sundays in Goshen. For more information and to register for the second semester, call Chabad at 782-2770, e-mail Chana@ChabadOrange.com or visit www.ChabadOrange.com.