Ezra Academy girls experienced a transformative journey when they traveled to New Orleans. This OU run chessed mission, infused values in the girls that are tough to teach on an academic level. Building homes, nurturing the environment, feeding the homeless and fostering Jewish identity were experiential moments that will live with them forever. For these young volunteers, the trip to New Orleans was more than just a service project; it was an opportunity to connect with their faith, culture, and the wider world around them. As they rolled up their sleeves to assist in the construction of homes for families in need, they found themselves not only building structures but also forging bonds of solidarity and empathy. Their commitment to environmental stewardship was equally commendable,. Whether cleaning water barrels, priming water barrels or painting water barrels after being educated on the importance of the work, these young women demonstrated a profound respect for the environment and a dedication to the preservation of the water projects around the levies in the Lower Nine. Yet, perhaps the most profound aspect of their journey was the internal transformation each girl experienced. Through acts of service and moments of introspection, they unearthed hidden strengths, discovered new passions, and deepened their understanding of themselves and their place in the world. In fact their interactions with the members of the community and in particular Burnell, of Burnell’s market in the Lower 9 taught them the character trait of resiliency in ways they have never encountered before. These girls carried with them not only memories of their impactful deeds but also a renewed sense of purpose and connection. The time they spent with Rabbi Katz in closing ceremonies demonstrated how potent the experience was and how powerfully they were affected by the five days of service. This type of hands on occurrence cannot be matched by classroom learning. The girls were forced out of their comfort zones and have grown tremendously because of it. We are looking forward to continued chessed projects (and another mission) in the coming months years…
