The Embodiment of Repairing the World

Many families at B’nai Shalom have had the distinct privilege of having Ms. Menbi Hailu teach their children in our Preschool. Just mention Ms. Menbi, affectionately called “Mummy” by many students, to anyone in the school and watch as their face lights up with a bright smile. Menbi has had a huge impact on our school community, but her stewardship of children doesn’t end at the doors of B’nai Shalom. 

Menbi and her family are originally from Ethiopia and are active in an Ethiopian community here in the States. Menbi explains that things are very different for children there. “There are high death rates in children because of malnourishment” she says. “Families don’t have access to the resources they need.” Menbi’s Ethiopian community in the U.S. is in a constant state of fundraising- collecting money for basic supplies such as food, clothing, and diapers to send back to Ethiopia. Menbi donates a lot of her spare time to assist in these efforts, and as a Preschool teacher, adds children’s books to the list of items she ensures reach her community in Ethiopia. This past year, Menbi designed and sold t-shirts as a fundraiser and helped her local community raise over $10,000, in addition to donated items, to support the people of Ethiopia.

Each year the local Ethiopian Community Leaders select two individuals to honor with a special award. These people are selected based on the time and resources that they commit to helping their community in Ethiopia. In 2024 Menbi was selected to receive the award as a token of thanks for the hard work and dedication that she puts into this cause. There was a financial award, and Menbi chose to donate over 60% of the money back to the cause, specifically directing her donation to an Ethiopian refugee camp for food. “That money can provide over 400 meals for children who need it,” she said. 

Not only are we incredibly grateful for the work that Ms. Menbi does in the classroom each day, we are so appreciative of the work that she does in the greater community to make this world a better place. As we teach our own children about Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, Menbi stands as a role model for all of those around her.

Ms. Menbi with her Preschool Class