Every year, a new selection of courses is added to the roster at the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central), and the 2024-25 school year is no different: New and restructured classes are making their debut this semester across the disciplines. Two new courses, Jewish Philosophy and The History of Zionism, have been added to Central’s robust Judaic Studies offerings.
Jewish Philosophy, led by Judaic Studies faculty member and Director of Israel Guidance, Rabbi Zvi Lew, takes juniors through aspects of philosophy using classic Jewish sources, including Moreh N’vuchim, Sefer HaIkarim, and the writings of Rav Soloveitchik, as well as readings from secular philosophers, including Aristotle, Kant, and Descartes, among others.
“They get to examine the big questions from all different perspectives,” Rabbi Lew said. “I always tell students: Philosophy requires work. You don’t just sit and think. You have to research the questions.” The course explores a wide range of topics, including the meaning of life, the nature of the soul, the afterlife, reward and punishment, and Torah and science. “I love Jewish Philosophy because it lets me dive into deep, thought-provoking questions and have conversations about the things I’ve always wondered about,” said junior Sarah Leah Sullivan. “It’s a class where I can learn and grow in ways I never expected.”
The History of Zionism found its beginnings in the Fall 2023 semester. After the events of October 7, the students in Judaics faculty member Ms. Sydney Daitch’s History of the Holocaust class were filled with questions about Israel and Zionism. “There were so many questions that it led me to propose the course,” Ms. Daitch said. “YUHSG is a Zionist institution, and the girls need foundational information about the history of Zionism. Just to be knowledgeable and aware is important.
The course, available to Central juniors, begins with the rise of modern Zionism in the mid-19th century, then moves forward to the present. “They’re invested in the work. They will often bring up things they have seen on social media during class discussion,” Ms. Daitch continued. The effects of the new class are being felt. “Taking Zionism with Ms. Daitch has not only increased my knowledge on an important topic, but gaining a better understanding of the land and its history has also increased my love and connection to it,” said junior Eliana Goldman.
A new interdisciplinary initiative will add a greater dimension to existing electives at Central. The new program, which was rolled out this week, will challenge elective classes at Central, including Gym and Graphic Design courses – both of which are requirements for all students – and optional electives Art, Spanish, and Engineering, to take up a collaborative project with a class in another discipline.
“This new interdisciplinary curriculum will inspire students to think and create a voice for themselves,” said Electives Department Chair and Spanish faculty member, Mr. Erez Bar-Levy. “And it results in a more robust department. The students are excited.” The projects include a Spanish-Gym collaboration focusing on dance, in which one class of students researches the origins of different Latin dances in Spanish-speaking countries, then present their projects entirely in Spanish.
At the same time, the Physical Education faculty member, Ms. Naida Gonzalez, will teach students the basic steps of these traditional dances, incorporating physical fitness into the project. Other Spanish sections will collaborate with Engineering courses by researching environmental challenges currently facing Spanish-speaking countries, and then designing engineering solutions to address these issues.
A section of Central’s Art classes will implement a mural celebrating Hispanic heritage, culture, and history, focusing on translation. And yet another Spanish class will collaborate with Graphic Design, with students creating portions of a bilingual magazine celebrating the diversity of Hispanic cultures.
“It’s great being able to teach the class more creatively,” said Graphic Design instructor Mrs. Atara Himmel. “With this project, the students are provided with a larger topic to explore, and it brings more meaning to their work.” The collaborations, which take place across the four grades, will culminate in presentations in April.
