Every lesson, conversation and idea at Bernard Zell begins with our Jewish Values. These same values serve as the foundation of our annual day of giving back—the Bernard Zell Day of Service. Since 2016, in memory of Judd Horowitz, late husband of the former Head of School, Dr. Alyson Horowitz, students at every grade level engage in acts of service to support the broader community. Through kindness and compassion, our students embody the values of:

• Tikkun Olam (repairing the world)

• Tzedaka (obligation to give charitably)

• Gimilut Chasadim (sympathetic consideration to others; sometimes good deeds)

• Achrayut (responsibility, especially for each other)

Last week, our Lower and Middle School students were captivated by motivational speaker, Jahkil Jackson of Project I AM, who is on a mission to influence kids around the country to get involved in their communities. During the pandemic, Jahkil creatively engaged over 200 youth from over 70 cities to make and distribute 7,500 blessing bags to those in need.

Using the inspiration from Jahkil and all of the amazing donations from our community, students in Nursery - 8th grade put together Blessing Bags for the organization StreetWise, empowering the homeless and those at risk of homelessness. We are proud to announce we collected over 613 bags (613 is the number of Mitzvot in the Torah)! Kol HaKavod (great job) to our entire community for another successful Day of Service!