High School Students Perform Chesed and Advocate for the Homeless on Capitol Hill

In May, the tenth-grade class embarked on a three-day trip to Washington, D.C., where they engaged in meaningful service work and civic advocacy. As part of their chesed experiences, students volunteered at direct service sites, including a food bank—where they packed and distributed meals for individuals facing food insecurity—and an elementary school, where they read with students in grades 3 through 5.

In preparation for the trip, students explored the challenges of homelessness and hunger during their advisory sessions. This learning came to life through a unique experience called “Street Torah,” where students connected Jewish teachings about social justice to real-world encounters, engaging in conversations with individuals experiencing homelessness in the D.C. area.

The trip culminated in a visit to Capitol Hill, where students met with members of Congress and their staff to advocate for policies addressing poverty and housing insecurity. We were honored that New York Congressman Ritchie Torres highlighted the visit on social media, noting how inspired he was by our students’ passion and advocacy.