Jewish Life in Iran

Magen David Yeshivah (MDY) recently announced the third annual Haim Dweck Hesed Competition. The competition challenges MDY’s sixth grade class to develop and implement ideas for how they can reach out to others in need of help and kindness. The competition was founded by Hymie Dweck in memory of his grandfather Haim Dweck. The project has received the full support of MDY Principal Rabbi Baruch Hilsenrath and Vice Principal Rabbi David Sultan. The Haim Dweck Hesed Award grants a $10,000 scholarship that is divided between the four finalists.

Earlier in the school year, all 170 sixth grade students were asked – but not required – to submit one page ideas for a hesed project that will help someone other than themselves. Following a huge response, 50 projects were selected by Rabbi Hilsenrath and Rabbi Sultan for entry in the competition. Those 50 students were then asked to execute their projects and submit an innovative presentation through a video, slide show, scrapbook, poster, journal or other creative idea.

Through first-hand experiences of creating and implementing hesed projects, the children are learning the importance of helping others. They personally oversee their projects from start to finish, thus developing a sense of responsibility and hesed.

The four finalists will be chosen by Rabbis Hilsenrath and Sultan this spring, and they will be honored at an awards ceremony in the presence of the entire sixth grade class, teachers and the finalists’ families.