Kehillah Fund
On walks throughout our neighborhoods, including West Rogers Park, Peterson Park, and Skokie, you may notice an unexpected splash of color: more than 100 handmade lawn signs expressing heartfelt Hakaras Hatov.
These meaningful creations honor the memory of Rabbi Avrohom Menashe Siegal z”l, a founding donor of Kehillah Fund who believed in the power of achdus to strengthen Torah education for Chicago’s Orthodox community. Kehillah Fund unites communal resources to ensure every Jewish child can access an excellent Torah-based education.
The signs are part of the beloved 8th Grade Hakaras Hatov Project by Women of Kehillah, expanded in Rabbi Siegal’s memory. Building on last year’s success, this year’s project engaged 233 8th-grade boys and girls across seven classes from four Kehillah Fund schools: Arie Crown Hebrew Day School, Cheder Lubavitch Hebrew Day School, Hillel Torah North Suburban Day School, and Joan Dachs Bais Yaakov.
Led by Robin Loeb, Associate Director of Kehillah Fund, in partnership with the Curriculum and Creative Arts Department of Walder Education, the project combined Torah learning with artistic expression to provide soon-to-be graduates with a powerful opportunity to express their gratitude artistically.
Teachers first spoke with students about the fundamental Torah value of Hakaras Hatov, creating a meaningful foundation for reflection. Then, mainly working in pairs, students designed vibrant lawn signs expressing their Hakaras Hatov to Hashem, their schools, teachers, parents, and all those who have supported their educational journey.
“We teach Hakaras Hatov at every level of school, but engaging in a hands-on project immerses the boys in the topic in a way different from what they are used to,” shared Mrs. Kreina Staal of Cheder Lubavitch Hebrew Day School.
In the end, 127 completed lawn signs now grace familiar streets in our neighborhoods, showcasing our children’s creativity and middos.
This project embodies Kehillah Fund’s core values: placing Torah principles at the heart of Jewish education and, in turn, our communities, celebrating Jewish schools and educators, and fostering a sense of klal, community belonging.
What began as a single initiative has evolved into a tradition that spans multiple schools, creating lasting memories and fostering meaningful reflection at a crucial transition point in students’ lives.
Through projects like this, Women of Kehillah ensures that Torah values remain vibrant and visible, touching hearts and strengthening the bonds that unite our community.
The signs remind us all that gratitude is a practice to be lived, shared, and celebrated throughout our kehillah.