Working in a Jewish day school, you are surrounded by modern-day Maccabees whose heroic actions lead to miracles — big and small — all the time. During Chanukah, AVI CHAI and Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools are featuring stories from Jewish day schools of “Maccabee moments” when students, teachers, and leaders made a difference to surmount challenges, beat the odds, and valiantly further Jewish values and actions in our community. Together we will read them and say “Nes Gadol Haya PO!” Chag Urim Sameach!
Golda Och Head of School Adam Shapiro playing volleyball with middle schoolers during the snow-in.
A Maccabee Moment at Golda Och Academy in West Orange, NJ
On Thursday, November 15, 2018, the forecast in New Jersey called for a little bit of snow turning over into rain. Boy, were they wrong! Seemingly out of nowhere, our community was faced with surprisingly severe weather, impassable and closed roads, and countless people separated from their families for a significant period of time. You undoubtedly have read the reports of widespread transit mayhem throughout the tri-state area, causing a host of problems, including hundreds of students being stranded in schools throughout our entire region for much, if not all, of the night. This resulted in a sleepless night for many, and tired bodies and souls.
In the middle of this storm, everyday Golda Och Academy heroes stepped up — big time. We are so proud of the Herculean efforts of our professionals, who not only stayed throughout the night with children of all ages, but went above and beyond to maintain a warm (both literally and figuratively) and lighthearted atmosphere amidst numerous significant challenges. Whether it was traversing the awful storm on foot to pick up food, making beds for our youngest students out of coats, backpacks and various other odds and ends, or simply just remaining in school to help until the final students were picked up early Friday morning, there were countless examples of mitzvot and acts of loving kindness throughout the long night. Among our parents and caregivers, people opened their homes to provide shelter from the storm, carrying on the legacy of our forefather Abraham, whose tent was said to be perpetually open on all four sides to welcome guests. Abraham’s spirit ran deep throughout the difficult night as our GOA community stepped up and extended helping hands to one another.
Submitted by Rebecca Berman, Chair, Board of Trustees of Golda Och Academy.