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Tikkun OIam

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In Judaism, tikkun olam (repairing the world) is a vitally important concept emphasizing our collective responsibility to make our community and our world better. At Gray Academy, our classroom learning and co-curricular activities include lessons and hands-on activities focused on tzedaka (charity), gemilut chasadim (acts of lovingkindness) and community service.

Casual Day for a Cause

One day of every month of our school year (usually the last Friday of the month), students have the privilege of leaving their uniforms at home and wearing an outfit of their choice in exchange for a minimum contribution of $2 to tzedaka.

Each month, we choose a different beneficiary:

  • September – The Terry Fox Foundation, in conjunction with participation in our annual schoolwide Terry Fox Run/Walk
  • October – Combined Jewish Appeal Campaign for the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg
  • November – a men’s health beneficiary for Movember
  • December – Elementary students work together with teachers to choose a beneficiary
  • January – HS student choice
  • February – annual Tu B’shvat campaign for Jewish National Fund
  • March – annual Matzah Mountain Campaign for maot chitim (Passover food) for clients of Jewish Child and Family Service
  • April – Elementary students work together with teachers to choose a beneficiary related to Earth Day (April 22)
  • May – The Ben Ben Chimol (z’l) Simchat Chayim Fund, honouring the memory of a beloved Gray Academy student
  • June – in support of a charity benefiting LGBTQ youth

Yom Kippur Kapparot Food Drive

Mitzvah Day

Every November, our Student Council Actin and Awareness Committee bring all High School students together to make, package and deliver hundreds of sandwiches for Main Street Project. Elementary students take part by decorating the lunch bags with colourful artwork and inspirational sayings to brighten recipients’ day.

This hands-on activity is part of the National Council of Jewish Women Winnipeg Section’s Mitzvah Day.

Purim Matanot L’evyonim

Pesach Matzah Mountain

Every year, before Pesach, we partner with Jewish Child and Family Service (JCFS) to ensure families in need in our community have matzah and other special foods needed for their Pesach seder.
Students love being called to the office to add their names to our Matzah Mountain. Contributors receive a tax receipt from JCFS satisfaction of knowing more than 200 Jewish families in need in our community will have ritual foods and nourishing meals for their seder table.

 

School Life