This week, AJA 3rd and 4th-grade students brought their learning to life as they put key Jewish values into meaningful practice through on-campus field trips to Shalom Austin.

On Tuesday, 4th graders volunteered at the JFS Food Pantry. This hands-on experience connected directly to their study of Parashat Toldot, where the theme of hunger appears repeatedly — Esau trading his birthright because he was hungry, Isaac asking Esau to bring him food, and the family relocating due to famine. By assisting at the food pantry, students deepened their understanding of these narratives while learning how we respond to hunger in our own community today.

On Wednesday, our 3rd graders visited Shalom Austin to serve as “greeters.” This activity complemented their learning about Avraham’s extraordinary hospitality and the mitzvah of Hachnasat Orchim — welcoming guests. Students practiced greeting and warmly welcoming people, turning their classroom lessons into real acts of kindness.

These meaningful experiences allowed students to live out their values and make powerful connections between Jewish texts and everyday actions. It was a wonderful way to see Torah in motion throughout our community!