Bruriah seniors comprise four of the ten national finalists in the prestigious annual International Synagogue Essay Contest. Avigail Goldberger, Sara Schatz, Tali Weisberger, all of Teaneck, and Rachel Eckstein of Passaic were chosen from among thousands of students representing dozens of schools across the country.

“We have received essays from across the U.S.,” said Rabbi Ari Korenblit of the International Synagogue and Jerry Greenwald, publisher of the Jewish Press, which co-sponsored the competition. “Each represents the deep aspirations, ambition and dreams of the author. The finalists’ essays embody the teachings of their school and the values from their parents.”

Students were given the opportunity to select one of several essay topics: “How I hope study in Israel will enrich my life,” “The reasons I picked this particular program,” “My dream will consist of…,” “M’Tziyon Tetze Torah” and “Avirah d’Eretz Yisrael Michakim.”

The competition was popular among Bruriah students, with many submitting entries.

“To have four students among the top ten nationally in a competition like this is quite telling, said Adina Abramov, Chief Marketing Officer and Director of Recruitment and Admissions for the Jewish Educational Center. “It really speaks not just to the level of academic excellence at Bruriah as part of the JEC system, but to the passion and commitment to Am, Eretz and Medinat Yisrael that are woven into the very fabric of our mission and overall experience.”