Stories @ CSI

Shearith’s Sisterhood partnered with the National Council of Jewish Women for its annual Mother's Day "Pop-Up" Jewelry Stores at Title I elementary schools on Monday, May 6th. Donated items were available for children at Briar Vista Elementary School to choose to give as a present to their special person on Mother's Day. Sisterhood and CSI members who tutor students at the school volunteered at the event.

For many years, the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) has held a Mother's Day "Shopping Spree" for students at the Title 1 schools where they have a tutoring program. As Board members at NCJW, Merle suggested to Sara that this might be a good project for Shearith Israel to take on for the school, where Sara coordinates the tutoring program. Jen Heller, Adina Rudisch, and Amy Trotz from Sisterhood were contacted, and the idea was off and running this spring. All of Shearith Israel became involved. A box in the lobby was filled with pieces of jewelry, as if by little fairies. The Pop-Up Shop, held in the Media Room at Briar Vista Elementary, was a fantastic experience for both the kids and the volunteers who were lucky enough to be there.

Co-organizer Merle Hoch shared some brief thoughts on the experience: "It's fun to see the reaction from the kids and the teachers when they first enter the room, and the many happy smiling faces when they leave with their special gift. We all left the school that day with very full hearts."