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On a bright, cool February afternoon, fifth and sixth graders at the Rashi School gym prepared for a basketball lesson to remember. Excitement was in the air as three men's basketball players from the Judges held a clinic for the students on defense, shooting, and dribbling. Graduate student Zach Malis '12 MA '13 and juniors Ruben Kanya '14 and Connor Arnold '14 had made the trip to Dedham, Mass. to help out the young players at Rashi. Yet, there was a greater cause behind the trip. 
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 "We were sitting at dinner one night and Yuli [a student at the Rashi School] said, 'we should do a fundraiser for kids affected by Hurricane Sandy,'" said Yuli's mother, Joni. "I said what do you have in mind and he said a basketball thing at school." 
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That conversation launched this unforgettable event on Feb. 12. After correspondence between Malis and Joni over a few months, a date was made and the charities were chosen. 
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Additionally, the event planners proposed to sponsor donations of toys to kids affected by Hurricane Sandy as well as to the SibsPlace organization, a program in alliance with South Nassau hospital that supports and aids children living with a parent or sibling that has been diagnosed with cancer or other terminal illnesses. 
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Ari Marcovski, a Hebrew teacher and sixth grade basketball coach at Rashi identified with the Judges' goal to carry out social justice.
"Since social justice is so central to us at Rashi, it is heartwarming to see students take on social justice initiatives on their own," said Marcarski. "This fortifies our hope for our collective future." 
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Arnold, Kanya and Malis greatly enjoyed the opportunity to give back to a community in need. 
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"Being able to help kids out and teach them something about basketball for a good cause was a great experience," Arnold said. 
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Kanya also felt greatly rewarded by the opportunity to provide a memorable experience for these children, in addition to contributing to two fantastic causes.
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"Anytime you can take just two hours out of your day towards a good cause it's worth it," he said. "It's nostalgic to come back [to a grade school] and remember where you were. It feels good for me to help the community and send a message about academics and how dedication will help you be successful." 
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Malis explained how being a student-athlete at Brandeis for five years influenced his desire to make an event to help benefit the community.
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"I have been given an incredible opportunity to pursue excellence in the classroom as well as excellence in athletics," he said. "Any opportunity that I am given to give back to the community is an equally, if not more, worthy pursuit."
Many would agree.
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Editor's note: Adam Schlitt works for Brandeis Athletics.