In a community as diverse as Great Neck, a community-wide campaign is always heartwarming. Such was the case during a recent fundraiser for a new Great Neck special education school: Meorot at North Shore Hebrew Academy.
Meorot, which opened in September 2017 and currently hosts a K-1 and 2-3 class, is an innovative after-school Judaic studies special education program for elementary school students with learning or language difficulties. Students attend public school during the day and join Meorot two afternoons a week for Judaic and Hebrew studies.
Individualization and integration are core to Meorot. Tailor-made curricula for each student build on their strengths and support their areas of weakness. Students immerse themselves in Torah, prayers, and holidays; study Hebrew with an emphasis on reading and comprehension; and receive the foundation for a strong Jewish identity.
In a true act of unity, Meorot is supported by four local yeshivas: North Shore, Har Torah, Silverstein Hebrew Academy and Long Island Hebrew Academy.
With the goal of raising awareness and funds, the campaign to sell 200 boxes of Chanukah candles at all four schools began. The project snowballed to include other Great Neck institutions, and over 600 boxes were ultimately sold.
“We are so grateful. This campaign exceed our wildest expectations and we are humbled by the support of the Great Neck community,” said board member Ronnie Shemesh. Using the hashtag #candlesformeorot, people across the community are posting pictures in support of the school.
Information and admission criteria can be found at www.meorotgn.org