Extreme Makeover: School Edition!!!

Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twersky: Guest Speaker at
SKA Lecture Series

This week SKA was privileged to have Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twersky, renowned Rav, psychiatrist, lecturer and author,  speak at the SKA Community Wide Lecture Series for Women. He spoke about the Bracha that girls receive from their fathers every Friday night- "Yisimech Elokim k'Sorah Rivka Rochel v'Laya," and how to make that bracha into a reality.

All creatures have been created in a state of completion (a kitten just has to grow up to be a cat... a puppy has to grow into a dog), but people were made as incomplete beings. HaShem's goal for us is to work on ourselves and to keep growing and striving to be a complete person. This is one of the reasons why HaShem said "Naaseh Adam." It is not only that He asked the opinions of the Malachim, but He also intended for US to work on making OURSELVES into complete people.

Sorah, Rivka, and Rochel, each suffered from the pains of being an akara (barren) for a long time. By using their tzarot and struggles as inspiration, they were able to come closer to HaShem.   Sorah  was zoche to be the mother of klal yisroel, so she needed to reach a very high level of ruchnius. (she channeled her struggle towards her tfillos!) .  From Rivka, we learn the  midda of going above and beyond what is asked or expected of us.(when she brought water for Eliezer AND all his camels) From Rochel we see true mesirat nefesh, that she was willing to give up her husband, the person she loved and would spend the rest of her life with, to spare her sister of  just a few moments of embarrassment. Leah was only supposed to have three children, and when she had Yehuda, her fourth, she thanked and praised HaShem for giving her more than her share, and more than she deserved. She was the first to realize that even though she may not have deserved it, HaShem is so full of chesed and gives us more than we deserve. Although we may not even come close to the level of the Immahos, we must all strive to emulate their ways and grow towards reaching our full potential! There may be struggles along the way, but we have to work hard to use our struggles and channel them towards growth and connection to HaShem , just like the Immahos did!!!

On Monday morning February 25^th, our  group of 14 Junior girls waited eagerly at the Jet Blue terminal in JFK to get on a flight to New Orleans, Louisiana. Under the supervision of SKA graduates Elissa Schertz and Sheri Seidenfeld,  Long Island NCSY took us to New Orleans for three days to learn about the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina (August 23, 2005) and to volunteer to help rebuild a family's life. Part of our time was spent at the New Orleans Jewish Community Center interacting with children in making groggers for the upcoming Purim holiday. The children were thrilled and each displayed their unique creativity using empty soda bottles, pipe cleaners, glue, and pom-poms in making their own unique groggers. Each of us had as much fun as the children in making new friends and enjoying the project. We then went to the Lower Ninth Ward which is a community that lies along the levees that broke during the hurricane. We witnessed the devastation and destruction that resulted from the hurricane and learned of the extreme damages and unfortunate deaths. Even though three years had passed, we all were shocked to see that the neighborhood still is in ruins with destroyed houses, shattered windows, and collapsed roofs. During our visit we noticed spray-painted 'X's on the houses. These 'X's were a symbol to rescuers that the house had already been searched for survivors, bodies, and pets.

Our second day, Tuesday, February 26^th was set aside to volunteer for Common Ground, a volunteer organization that offers aid, assistance, and help in rebuilding communities that were affected by the hurricane. The organization gives people hope by providing them with the help they need to rebuild their lives and homes. Dressed in white-jumpsuit painting outfits and eager to get to work, we helped sand and prime the inside of a house which was in ruins after Katrina. We were fortunate enough to meet Mr. Matthews, the owner of the house. After a good sweat and five hours of hard work, we saw the results of our effort as the Matthews' house became one step closer to being finished. We then drove down again to the Lower Ninth Ward to get a tour of the Common Ground base where the volunteers stay, hang out, and garden to help restore the wet lands. This day was rewarding in helping a family rebuild their lives.

On our last day, Wednesday, February 27^th we toured the destroyed Beth Israel Synagogue of New Orleans with Jackie Gothard, the president, and witnessed the devastation Katrina had brought to our Jewish brothers and sisters. We were all shaken up after seeing the badly damaged hand carved bima, ripped talesim, the few barely surviving documents, and the water damaged aaron kodesh. The water levels left marks on the shul walls which went as high as eighteen feet. Mrs. Gothard showed us pictures of the sifrei Torah being rescued from the shul two weeks after the hurricane, when the water levels went down. Unfortunately, all of the seven sifrei Torah and chumashim were so badly water damaged that they had to be buried. We were all filled with emotions of emptiness and sorrow. However, Mrs. Gothard instilled in us the idea that it is necessary to thank Hashem because the tragedy of Katrina unified this Jewish community more than they had ever been. Our last stop in New Orleans was at the Chabad School where we interacted with preschool to middle school aged children. We organized paper bag dramatics, Purim skits, songs and dancing. We were sad to leave, not wanting our New Orleans volunteer experience to end. We all felt accomplished that we had made a difference in lending a helping hand to those in need.

SKA Eating Disorders Education and Prevention Workshops

On Wednesday, February 20th and Tuesday, February 26th, two vital workshops regarding positive body image, eating disorders and self esteem were held for freshmen and parents. The first and introductory program for students, called "No Body's Perfect," led by FEGS educators, involved interactive student discussion sessions focusing on stereotyping, "weightism" and self esteem. These discussions served as an introduction and foundation which would prepare students for the upcoming Eating Disorders program. This evening program, which took place one week later, joined students and parents together to learn about the connection between food and feelings, the impact of societal and family pressures to be thin, and the physical, social and psychological effects of eating disorders.

Dr. Judith Rabinor, renowned psychologist and clinician specializing in the identification and treatment of eating disorders, opened the evening with a poignant media clip and guided imagery encouraging the audience to realize the prevalence of these issues in our community and society as a whole. She and Ms. Orna Neutra, social worker and former youth program coordinator from FEGS, worked as a team to engage in an active and candid discussion with the parents.  The need to consider the messages we send to one another about body image and eating, and the importance of focusing on our internal selves rather than external appearances, were key messages highlighted by the experts.

The students heard from Ms. Aliza Stareshefsky who spoke of her personal eating disorder struggle and this was followed by student groups led by FEGS educators which allowed students to process what they had heard and connect it to their discussions from the previous week. How to get help for oneself or a friend and who students can go to in school was reviewed.

Parents also saw a movie clip titled, "Understanding Eating Disorders," and a community parent shared his experience dealing with his daughter's eating disorder. Mrs. Spirn, SKA Principal, Mrs. Joan Sherman, School Nurse and Mrs. Rochel Block, Fitness Advisor and Physical Education and Nutrition teacher were present for the duration of the program and openly participated in the parent/panel discussion. Literature folders which were packed with information mirrored the multifaceted nature and approach of this topic and program.

Overall, the program was stimulating, thought provoking and comprehensive for students and parents alike. It heightened awareness, enhanced a positive and more healthy approach to body image and self esteem, and encouraged an up-front sense of candor and openness regarding this health issue. We plan to continue following up with the students on this program and topic in the weeks to come.

On Tuesday, March 4^th, SKA participated in the final Math Meet of this year. The math meet took place at DRS with SKA, HAFTR and Rambam participating. This meet was a group meet, where each team worked on six problems in 40 minutes. During the meet there was a fire drill and all teams brought their calculators, pens and papers outside to continue working until they were allowed to re-enter the building. Everyone really had a great time. Much thanks to Mrs. Budne for her dedication to the Math Team.!

For the SKA Mock Trial Team, late nights and early Sunday morning practice are nothing out of the ordinary. The girls, along with their coach Mr. Isaac Zucker, are in school until late hours of the night contemplating whether it really was the defendant, Chris Rocket who hit Ryan Strongarm while under the influence and speeding on a late foggy night. Every other week, the team heads down to the Mineola Court House where the trial takes place. They then wait anxiously until the coordinator pairs up the teams and sends them to their court room; then.. THE GAMES BEGIN!  For the next two hours the girls, playing both lawyers and witnesses, directly examine each other and then cross examine the other team. After an intense trial, both teams nervously await the judges' final decision. Thankfully, the girls have been winning thus far and will continue on with the hopes of becoming... the Mock Trial State Champions!

Last Tuesday, the SKA Torah Bowl Team traveled to North Shore Hebrew Academy High School for the third meet of the year. Making SKA proud, our team won all four matches, including the match against the undefeated HANC. They have now moved up to second place with only HANC on top of them. We wish them much luck in the playoffs in two weeks. Thanks to the coach, Mrs. Menchel, for all of her hard work and getting the team ready for this meet.

Debate Season Begins

Recently, some of the members of the SKA Debate Team traveled to Maayanot High School to demonstrate their great debating skills. They competed against many other schools including Ramaz, MTA, SAR, Maayanot, Bruriah, and TABC. All the schools were debating the resolve that stated: The Federal Government Should Require Fast Food Chains To Post Nutrition Facts in their Restaurants or Establishments. Chaya Leiba Berger, Libi Ben-Zvi, Shoshana Schneider, and Leah Goodman had a strong affirmative argument; while Samantha Selesny, Rachel Zehnwirth, Shira Stavsky, and Ariella Eisenberg put up a tough fight for the negative side.  Although the members of the Debate Team have very strong skills, they could not have pulled through without the help and support of team advisor, Mrs. Leibtag. Thank you, Mrs. Leibtag!!

Chesed Update

Last Thursday's trip to a kosher Soup Kitchen in Manhattan was a very meaningful experience for all who attended.  In the week preceding the trip, each girl signed up to bring specific foods that would help supply a nutritious and delicious lunch to those who would otherwise have gone hungry. When they arrived at Emunat Israel, they were greeted by a representative from Project Ohr, the organization that runs the Soup Kitchen. He explained what the girls would be doing and what they should expect to see and then the SKA students got busy in the kitchen preparing the hot dogs and accompaniments. As the clients streamed in, the students served them lunch, walked around , kept them company, and tried to create a generally friendly atmosphere that they would enjoy.       

Another Chesed that SKA students have been involved in is Kulanu. During President's Week, girls missed a few classes to go over to the preschool and play with students with special needs who were out of school for that week. It was a great experience, not only because the SKAers missed class, but because it gave them a boost in our day.

A few seniors took time out of their day to go pack clothing in Mrs. Bodner's house to send to a Gemach in Israel. It was a great feeling to be able to support and help our brothers in need in Israel.

Rebbetzin Tehila Jaeger
Addresses Our Seniors

The Seniors have been discussing internal and external beauty in their Jewish Family Life course. This week, Rebbetzin Tehila Jaeger, renowned speaker and SKA parent, came to inspire our Seniors with words of Torah. She discussed the four most beautiful women in Tanach and how the students should emulate their ways. At the end of the Shiur, Rebbetzin Jaeger graciously answered our personal questions, some of which had been written and submitted prior to the shiur. We thank the Rebbetzin for taking time out of her busy schedule to share her thoughts, tell her inspiring stories and teach  Torah to the Seniors!

Isreal Acceptances

A belated Mazal Tov to all the seniors on their acceptances to Israel Schools.

Our students were accepted to : Baer Miriam, Bnot Torah, Darchei Bina, Michlalah, Michlelet Esther, MMY, Midreshet  AMIT,  Midreshet Harova, Midreshet Lindenbaum, ,Midreshet Moriah., Midreshet Tehilla, Midreshet Yeud, Migdal Oz,   Nishmat,  Shaalvim, Tafnit, Tiferet and  Tomer Devorah .

We are so proud that they will be attending so many wonderful institutions in Israel next year and we look forward to hearing about their inspiring learning in these places . Once again, Mazal Tov!!

Lilmod Ule'Lamed for Mothers and Alumnae!

Our Lilmod Ule'lamed program will continue this Tuesday at 12:00 PM with a new three week series given by Mrs. Rivka Yudin on "Purim: Its Meaning and Relevance."

This series is being sponsored by the Wittman family with hakarat hatov to the SKA faculty and staff for all they do for our students.