Bnos Menachem Shares Message of Kindness

On Thursday afternoon, the students of Bnos Menachem High School filled the streets of Crown Heights with a few hundred balloons and brightly-colored flyers. As a part of the school’s ‘Be Nice’ Program, the girls were on a mission to spread the message of Ahavas Yisrael in the neighborhood.

The Be Nice Program, started in memory of Shmuel Karnowsky A”H, aims to bring more kindness into both the school and the community through initiatives that inspire and educate students about the myriad aspects and powerful impact of Ahavas Yisrael. This year the program is directed by Mrs. Chanie Weindruch and student heads Leah Brenenson, Gnesha Hurwitz and Hadas Popack.

Mrs. R. Karnowsky, a principal at Bnos Menachem High School, spoke to the girls before they went out to share their positive and important messages the community. Mrs. Karnowsky touched upon how ספירת העומר is the perfect time to work on Ahavas Yisroel, how all Yidden are truly connected, and how important it is to act interact with every single person – friend, teacher, acquaintance, every Jew we meet – according to that perspective.

Afterwards, the girls divided into groups, and every girl received two flyers to put up. The groups headed out to their designated blocks on and around Crown Heights, determined to take over the streets with the message of “Just Be Nice”. The eye-catching posters announced messages such as “Smile at the next person you interact with today,” and “אוהב שלום ורודף שלום. Just Be Nice.” The girls also carried balloons bearing the message, “Be Nice,” tying them to street poles and trees and handing them out to children and many others. The students returned with many with heartwarming stories of faces brightened, as pedestrians met with the cheerful groups of kindness-spreading, balloon-bearing students.

Upon their return to school, the students heard from guest speaker Mrs. Gitty Rapoport who shared moving words and stories about the incredible ripple, butterfly effect that even a seemingly small act of kindness can have on our surroundings.

Look out for these messages on posters and screens around Crown Heights. Most importantly, take the message to heart and push yourself to increase in goodness and kindness, לעילוי נשמת שמואל בן אשר שיחי.