It's hard to believe that five weeks ago I sat in the audience of another successful Production performance, went home to say goodbye to my family and then left for an 8 day whirlwind trip to Eretz Yisrael with Mrs. Pahgit Ralbag, Senior Grade Level Advisor and Israel Guidance Counselor.  After we collected our luggage, our first stop was a hotel in Yerushalayim, where we wished mazel tov to graduate Sheva Odzer '07 at her wedding!  Later in the week, I had the opportunity to do so at the l'chaim of graduate Mindel Zomber '07.

Our SKA Reunion for the Class of 2009 took place that first evening and we were thrilled that 74 graduates came to participate.  Although many girls see each other frequently, this was the first time so many girls had gathered in an official way as the Class of 2009. There were lots of hugs, smiles and tears as we all enjoyed each other's company and had the opportunity to hear how everyone had transitioned to their year in Israel. We came with video in hand and our graduates were oohing and aahing when they watched former teachers and administrators sharing their divrei bracha with the girls.  (Next year I will remember to bring tissues too; we all emote in different ways!).  We had the chance to take a few group pictures, share our schedule for the week and bask in the nostalgia of the Class of 2009.  The girls were disappointed that I hadn't brought a Production DVD but how could I do that the weekend of Production?  Special thanks to Dr. Meier and Mrs. Kobre who solved that problem just two weeks later at Reunion #2!!

Mrs. Ralbag and I had the opportunity to visit with more than 80 students studying in Israel this year and we visited 15 schools.  At each seminary, we checked in with the administration, took pictures with our students and tried to collect information and insights from our graduates that we could share with our 12th graders.  Our favorite parts of the trip, unquestionably, were our individual meetings with our girls and the opportunity to hear about everyone's year and their personal challenges and highlights, in the classroom and beyond. Somehow, we seemed to run late wherever we were, because it was too hard to leave and impossible to limit our individual meetings once they got going.  And of course, we never wanted to say goodbye.

We are proud of the Class of 2009 and their growth and learning this year in Eretz Yisrael and yet, we know and reminded our graduates, that the growth this second half of the year will be the most powerful and enduring!  What an inspiring image watching our students learning Torah in Yerusahalyaim and the Gush with enthusiasm and a sincere desire to develop a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Hakadosh Baruch Hu!  What nachat we felt hearing of their individual accomplishments in learning and mido development!  What pride we felt in hearing about their growing love and personal connection to Eretz Yisrael and their desire to feel connected beyond this year! 

We shared a spiritual experience with Adi Fried '09 who is participating in Sherut L'eumi and is assigned to the Kotel tunnel tours.  Adi led Mrs. Ralbag and myself underground to the location of what once was the Kadosh Hakedashim and reflected on the sense of kedusha she feels each and every day she takes guests on her special tour and the seyata dishmaya of being placed at her specific location.

Here's to the Class of 2010 whose desire to study in Eretz Yisrael is so strong!  We are so proud of your record of acceptances and look forward to visiting you next year and hearing about your transitions and the highlights of your year!

Mazel tov on your acceptances and deciding where you will spend your year of study and personal growth!  We couldn't be prouder and we are here to assist you in every which way during your remaining months at SKA.

Welcome back everyone to the second half of the year and I hope that it will be filled with much academic, religious and personal growth for each and every one of our students!  I look forward to welcoming so many of our mothers and daughters at our annual Mother-Daughter Brunch sponsored by our Parent Coucil. Mazel tov to Mrs. Elisheva Kaminetsky and Mrs. Ellen Lavner, two phenomenally dedicated, talented and passionate educators!

 

Have a peaceful and inspiring Shabbos!