Students build menorah to donate to the needy

Monroe — The students at the Chabad Hebrew School built a large menorah made of donated canned foods. Their purpose was not only to shed light, but also to feed the hungry. The menorah will be on display throughout Hanukkah at Stop & Shop on Route 17M in Monroe. Adjacent to the menorah is a sign that reads, “You can add light to the world by donating a can.” Shoppers can add to it by donating kosher canned food. The cans will then be donated to the Jewish Family Service of Orange County food bank, to be distributed to needy families in Orange County. The students have been encouraged to bring coins to give to charity each class. When the can fills to the top, they decide which charity to donate it to. The children chose to buy canned food to benefit the needy, reflective of the holiday season of giving and sharing. To build the menorah, the children also brought cans from home. Candles were placed at the top of the menorah, and Rabbi Pesach Burston shared words of inspiration before it was symbolically lit. “The theme of Hanukkah is adding light and goodness to the world,” explained Burston to the children. “That’s why we add another candle to the Menorah each night, because a little bit of light expels a lot of darkness. Using your charity money to help the needy adds lots of light to the world.” In addition, the students designed a banner with their handprints to add to the display. Over 35 children are registered in the Hebrew school, which is geared for Jewish children of all affiliations and backgrounds. Classes are held on Thursday in Monroe, and Sunday in Goshen. The school is still excepting registration. For more information, call 782-2770 or visit www.ChabadOrange.com.