Schools

“Remembrance days remind us of our ancestors, and how klal Yisrael as a nation has to always keep our past in mind, and follow our Mesorah,” stated Rabbi Moshe Hamel, Assistant Principal, JHS Judaic Studies. The Yeshiva of Central Queens had a meaningful day commemorating Yom HaShoah and the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Students across all grades had age-appropriate discussions and ceremonies to recognize this important day. Grades 3-4 participated in a meaningful ceremony with speeches from rebbeim and students honoring their family members with a special candle lighting ceremony. T’hilim were recited throughout the day, honoring the six million Jews who died, and the heroism of the survivors and rescuers.

The excitement was palpable at HALB as we celebrated Israel’s birthday last week.

At Lev Chana, students “traveled” to Israel. Everyone landed at Ben Gurion Airport, went through Customs Control and visited Kibbutz Lev Chana where they milked cows, guessed the type of vegetable by looking at the tops showing above the ground, found the hiding chickens, and added and subtracted oranges in the grove. Next came the cities of Eilat, where they enjoyed the colorful fish and pristine beaches, Tz’fas, where they admired the artwork and candles, and Yerushalayim, where they davened at the Kotel. Our children went home with souvenirs to remember the places they visited.

Blue and white were the dominant colors in the halls of the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls on Wednesday, May 4, in recognition of and solidarity with Yom HaZikaron. The observance of Israel’s Memorial Day at SKA was an inspiring way to acknowledge the contributions of the thousands of Israeli soldiers who gave their lives defending the State of Israel, and mourn with the families of those who lost loved ones to war and terror.

The Rambam Mesivta held an impactful assembly to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day. It began with a viewing of the infamous “Auschwitz Album,” along with commentary from Rambam’s principal, Rabbi Yotav Eliach. The Auschwitz Album depicts the process of camp arrivals and the separation of Jews to the left and to the right by Nazi soldiers and “doctors.” Any images of gruesome or barbaric scenes were omitted to avoid traumatizing the young audience.

On Rosh Chodesh Iyar, the Middle School girls at Bnos Malka had the privilege of meeting and hearing the incredible story of Micah Kaufman, a man whose life has always been dedicated to doing acts of chesed. As a kidney donor, he made a supreme gesture to a stranger. In December of 2019, he was in route to give chizuk to other donors, when he was in a car accident that resulted in his being in a coma for months. The prognosis was not good, and even after he awoke from the coma, he was severely disabled. His determination and emunah fueled his effort to slowly recover. Mr. Kaufman described the gratitude he has for each day, and each opportunity to do acts of chesed for others.

He urged the girls to make the most of each day and to find the act of chesed that they can do and make it their own. The girls were very moved by his story and the strength he has displayed to recover. They left committed to appreciating what they have and doing acts of chesed for others.

The presentation was in conjunction with the Bnos Malka program to focus on Birchos HaShachar during S’firas HaOmer. The specific brachah for that day was Asher Yatzar, recognizing the tremendous preventive medicine that Hashem bestows upon each person every single day.

At Lev Chana, teachers were surprised with treats throughout the week, including coffee and cakes, Berrylicious ice cream cake, and lunch from Central Perk. HALB Elementary had a sign out front, lunch from Central Perk, coffee and cake, and a room service cart filled with goodies that Administrators brought from classroom to classroom. Thank you to our HALB teachers for everything you do for the school and your students every single day!