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MTA’s ARISTA Honor Society takes on leadership roles within the school in various ways throughout the year. They offer peer tutoring, run all kinds of programs, and organize several events. One such event is the long-standing, highly popular Blood Drive. Twice a year, ARISTA organizes a blood drive that MTA talmidim, teachers, and YU students frequent. Giving blood has become something MTA sophomores especially look forward to doing, as they turn 16 during the school year.

Central faculty and administration are always working to expand curriculum offerings – and doing so with an eye toward students’ futures. For this reason, several advanced courses offering college credits have been introduced to the curriculum to put Central graduates ahead as first-year college students. These courses are taught by Yeshiva University professors and are one of the many examples of the strong relationship that exists between YU and YUHSG.

In response to the terrible events of October 7, and the ongoing war since then, Hatzioni, MTA’s Israel Club and Publication, knew that they needed to organize something that could make a difference in helping the soldiers in Israel. After hearing that the army base of MTA alumnus Gavriel Pudell needed kippot, a cookie sale was organized and $340 was quickly raised. The money reached Gavriel’s unit through Lev LaChayil, an organization dedicated to helping Lone Soldiers.

This past week, Shevach High School students were privileged to hear words of inspiration in these trying times from Mrs. Shaindy Kappel, founder of Aneinu and creator of the T’hilim M’chulak booklets. Thanks to Mrs. Kappel’s creative thinking and desire to help bring a y’shuah to a friend in need, these booklets were crafted and are regularly used across the globe. Now, many women around the world not only say T’hilim regularly, but they can collectively say the entire sefer in a short amount of time.

YSZ took the opportunity this week to spread gratitude amongst its students. Every class, from Pre-1A to eighth grade, worked on a gratitude project, taking the time to learn what it means to be grateful and why it’s important to express gratitude. The students celebrated the people and places they are surrounded by and appreciated the important things in life.

The March for Israel in Washington, DC, was an unforgettable experience. Although it was a bit of a challenge to get there, it was a wonderful display of unity. It really was so meaningful to see Jews from all the different schools and in fact all kinds of Jews. The sheer volume was awesome. As it said on the March for Israel website, it really was a “march for Israel, a march to free hostages and a march against anti-Semitism.”