Week One Recap!

Dear Parents, 
 
This week of GIVE West has been nothing short of amazing. We spent the week participating in some meaningful hands-on work at a local community center, where we helped prep over 1,500 meals and personally served more than 500 meals to people experiencing homelessness. We also put together toiletry bags for the unhoused and even learned how to fix bikes to help give people in need a way to get around independently. All of it really helped us feel connected to a sense of community and showed us how small actions can make a real difference. 
 
Some of us also got to help organize and prepare medical supplies for people who don’t have easy access to healthcare. It was a powerful reminder that even the behind-the-scenes work is important. Throughout the week, we also carved out time to learn and reflect during our chaburahs- diving into inspiring Torah learning with our amazing advisors. Their energy, insights, and real conversations made every session something to look forward to while giving an even deeper meaning to all that we are doing. And of course, we’ve had plenty of fun along the way—from sliding in Slide Rock Mountain to hiking in Payson to bowling to yesterday’s unforgettable trip to the Grand Canyon and even surprise slurpees along the way! Last night we were lucky to hear some inspiration from Rabbi Ariel Shoshan followed by a beautiful Mishmar! It’s been a week full of giving, growing, learning, and laughing together. 
 
As we head into Shabbos and reflect on Parshas Chukas, we’re reminded of the mitzvah of the Parah Adumah- a law that doesn’t totally make sense but teaches us the value of doing things with Emunah, even when we don’t fully understand them. A pasuk in the parsha says: 
 
”עֹלַ֖ת תָּמִ֑יד הָעֲשֻׂיָה֙ בְּהַ֣ר סִינַ֔י” 
 
“The regular burnt offering instituted at Mount Sinai…” (Bamidbar 28:6) 
 
It is a reminder that consistency and commitment, even in the unknown, can be deeply meaningful. That’s been the heart of our week: showing up, giving back, and trusting that it matters! 
 
Today we’ll be wrapping up our week with an amazing tubing adventure down the Salt River. We’re also so lucky to be spending what I know will be an incredible Shabbos with Rabbi Lashak, who brings inspiration and chizzuk with his signature warmth, wisdom, humor, and ruach. 
 
I also wanted to say thank you to the families that reached out and generously sponsored special shabbos treat and tonight’s Tisch! 
 
Have a beautiful Shabbos!  
 
Michie Alper