Heritage Day at YSZ HS for Girls began on Friday morning, April 4, with a heartfelt address from Mrs. Rina Zerykier, Menahelet of the school. The administration and faculty were honored to welcome the grandmothers of the student body. Mrs. Zerykier framed Pesach as the ultimate holiday of memory and hope—a time to reflect on where we’ve been and to envision where we’re going.
She reminded the students that Pesach calls on us to not only remove chametz, but also to reflect on what enslaves us today—whether fear, doubt, or our relationship with technology. True freedom, she emphasized, means living with purpose and being avdei Hashem.
At the heart of that story is gratitude. Dayeinu teaches us to recognize every act of kindness, both big and small, and to thank Hashem for each blessing. Gratitude is not merely an abstract concept; it is the essence of who we are as Yehudim and a vital part of Jewish resilience, passed down through generations.
Even the seemingly whimsical Chad Gadya at the end of the Seder carries profound meaning. Each character and each twist in the story leads to one truth: Hashem controls it all. Despite life’s challenges, we are part of a divine plan much greater than ourselves.
Mrs. Zerykier concluded by highlighting the strength of the women of Yetziat Mitzrayim—the nashim tzidkaniyos who never gave up hope. As Rashi teaches, “The righteous women in that generation were guaranteed miracles.” These women persevered through the darkest of times, continuing to build, believe, and prepare for a redemption that had not yet arrived.
It was through the merit of these women that the Jewish nation was redeemed. And, b’ezras Hashem, it will be through the strength of the women gathered around our Seder tables—our mothers, grandmothers, daughters, and granddaughters—that we will be brought toward the final g’ulah, bimhera b’yamenu.
At 10:00 a.m., grandmothers and granddaughters gathered in the classrooms for a special learning experience. The students had the opportunity to hear stories of emunah from their Bubbies—how they held on through hard times and found strength in their heritage. This exchange served as a powerful reminder for the girls to appreciate their roots and the enduring connection to their ancestors.
Next, the girls participated in a project called “Bitachon in Hand,” where they decorated tambourines in preparation for the arrival of Mashiach Tzidkaynu. Inspired by Miriam, who, as part of her preparation for the g’ulah during Yetziat Mitzrayim, held a tambourine in hand, the girls followed her example. They decorated tambourines using découpage techniques, transforming each tambourine into a symbol of hope, emunah, and anticipation for the future.
After a delicious brunch, the grandmothers and granddaughters came together to dance joyfully, filling the air with the vibrant energy that defines the YSZ HS for Girls community.
On Wednesday, April 2, Bianca “Rita” Benisti shared an inspiring message with the students about how t’fillah and bitachon (faith) can transform not just our outlook, but our entire reality. With Pesach approaching, her words about the powerful t’fillos of the Seder resonated deeply. The Seder, she explained, is all about emunah—trusting that Hashem runs the world, even when we don’t see the full picture.
To round out the week, YSZ HS for Girls hosted a Pesach Seder Roundtable. Seniors shared how studying divrei Torah beforehand enhanced their preparation for the Seder, helping them feel more connected and inspired. Teachers led brief, 10-minute sessions in a World Café format, each focusing on a different part of the Seder. The students left feeling empowered and excited to bring real meaning to their own Sedarim, contributing to the richness of the experience. YSZ wishes everyone a chag kasher v’Sameach!
