Schools

On Monday, October 24, Central welcomed Rahel Bayar, lawyer and CEO of the Bayar Group, to discuss a crucial topic with all four classes: boundaries and consent. Bayar brought her experience as a former sex crimes and child abuse prosecutor to an honest and direct conversation about safe spaces and how Central students can protect themselves, and one another, in the larger world.

On Wednesday, October 26, Shevach High School students enjoyed a special event in honor of Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan. Under the direction of the Shevach Menaheles, Mrs. Shulamith Insel, the morning was glamorous and inspirational. The program was run by Shevach Educational Administrator Mrs. Devorah Kovitz, who worked with her dedicated committee of seniors to make it a special morning. The Rosh Chodesh Committee heads, together with the G.O. heads, transformed the multi-purpose room in a manner that embodied their 5783 theme of “FLYING HIGH.”

Each year, Rabbi Weichselbaum, Menahel, along with the assistant principals of the elementary and middle school, select a midah that will become the Bnos Malka Theme of the Year. The midah is emphasized and will be incorporated in as many aspects of the school day as possible. Instead of merely glossing over the importance of the selected theme, it becomes reinforced in countless ways.

Students at HAFTR High School recently participated in NCSY’s Jewish Unity Mentoring Program, also known as JUMP. The program was held on Sunday, October 23, and Monday, October 24, in Somerset, New Jersey. As a freshman, I was unsure of what to expect, but we were greeted by familiar teachers, rabbis, and NCSY staff who made us all feel welcome. From that moment on, it was clear that this was going to be an enjoyable and productive day; we were going to be focusing on how to solve problems using innovative thinking, teamwork, and informed decision-making.

As a religious Zionist school, the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls has always made the State of Israel a primary focus. SKA’s student initiative, the Israel Awareness Committee, has been very active in the school over the years, organizing workshops to teach students how to stand up for Israel on college campuses, showcasing speakers from the IDF and those who are victims of terror, and conducting fundraisers for Israelis’ needs. Annual AIPAC visits, lobbying trips to Washington, and letter-writing campaigns to advocate for Israel have been some of the missions of SKA’s IAC.

Hadar Bet Yaakov talmidos hosted their annual Open House this past Sunday, with students divided into groups of outdoor and indoor welcoming committees replete with balloons and music. Other groups organized into registration teams, while others walked parents to mini-classes and panel activities.  Teachers greeted and socialized with parents over coffee and pastries, followed by administrators’ welcome remarks and presentation of curriculum and school activities.