by Joseph Wolf ('15) On Thursday, December 18, the second day of Chanukah, seniors from Rabbi Shulman's 12th grade shiur gave to others by volunteering at Masbia's Queens Boulevard food pantry. For those not familiar with their work, Masbia is a nonprofit food pantry and soup kitchen network that aims to give the less fortunate a hot meal in a restaurant atmosphere, complete with a volunteer waiting staff that serves its patrons with dignity and respect.

The shiur worked from eleven o'clock in the morning until two o'clock in the afternoon sorting orders, packaging food, and delivering goods to the needy. This service was particularly crucial considering the time of the year, and taking into account that Thursday is the pantry's busiest day of the week. As the day progressed, the shiur learned a valuable lesson about being thankful for what they have, especially considering that during all eight days of Chanukah, there are those that struggle to get their daily bread. Even though this lesson was taught outside of the classroom, it culminated in one of the most meaningfulshiur experiences of the year as it demonstrated appreciation and compassion;midos that can only be completely learned through action.