The 8th grade boys of Torah Academy of Minneapolis recently visited Lakewood as part of an East Coast trip designed to give them a glimpse into the broader Torah world they are part of — and their first stop left a powerful impression.

The students, hailing from a city without a local Hatzolah organization, were brought to Hatzolah of Central Jersey to experience firsthand how a major volunteer emergency medical service operates. From the moment they entered the dispatch center — where calls are answered in seconds and responders are tracked in real time — the boys were visibly inspired.

For many, it was the first time stepping into an ambulance, learning how lifesaving equipment is used, and understanding how a coordinated network of volunteers responds to emergencies around the clock. But beyond the technical and logistical marvels, what struck them most was the warmth and dedication of the people.

“They didn’t make us feel like we were bothering them,” one student remarked to his rebbi, R’ Sender Breiner, after the visit. “Everyone was so nice. The fact that they’re all volunteers made the biggest impression on me.”

The visit gave students a broader perspective of what it means to be part of Klal Yisroel — bound not only by Yiddishkeit, but by responsibility and chesed.

In addition to their Hatzolah visit, the boys had the opportunity to meet with various chesed organizations, roshei yeshiva, rabbanim, and local frum politicians — each one contributing to the deep sense of pride and inspiration the students felt throughout their trip. The exposure to so many facets of a thriving Torah community left them motivated to strive for greatness and to one day take an active role in the chesed and leadership that define Lakewood.

“Lakewood doesn’t just run on Torah — it runs on caring for others. Our students saw that with their own eyes,” Rabbi Breiner remarked.

The 8^th grade girls’ class from Torah Academy is also planning a similar trip to the East Coast in the coming weeks.

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