Achdut and Chopped? Staff cooks together, works together, at HANC

Bringing this year’s theme — achdut (unity) — to life, the staff at HANC’s Samuel and Elizabeth Bass Golding Elementary School in West Hempstead spent a day together strengthening bonds and focusing on teamwork.

The staff development program began with an inspirational video about Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind person to climb Mount Everest. Despite physical challenges and severe weather, he forged ahead with the help of his team and reached the top of the mountain.

The theme of teamwork continued as the staff was challenged by Aussie Gourmet Naomi Nachman. She presented the four teams with an assortment of ingredients and cooking supplies.  Based on the show “Chopped,” each team had a half hour to create a Rosh Hashanah-themed main dish and dessert.

The room filled with excitement and energy, and the results were remarkable, as new and returning staff worked together as a team to create appetizing dishes for the holidays.