Bruriah High School’s students have undertaken a remarkable school wide initiative to galvanize and unite together amidst the difficult times in Eretz Yisrael. Pioneered by juniors Shira Kaplitt and Eden Sebbag, the program provides students and faculty with an opportunity to contribute spiritually towards the war effort.
“I felt there was a tsunami of support for Israel, both spiritual and physical when the war started, but as the war progressed, support began to slow down,” explained Shira. “I really wanted to do something to keep the momentum going.” Shira discussed some ideas with her mother, and she explained that modesty is known to be a protection during times of tzara. The next day, Shira approached her friend Eden with the idea who was eager to help spearhead this initiative with her. She shared Shira’s sentiments that something needed to be done as she was especially drawn to it because she has multiple family members serving in the IDF. Together, they approached the Bruriah administration who guided and empowered them to design the MDF, or Modesty Defense Force.
The program included an introduction by Shira and Eden during which they spoke about the virtues of modesty, particularly in its internal manifestations. “We really wanted to stress internal modesty,” explained Eden, “We want everyone to pay attention to the ways we interact with others, acting in a dignified manner, and really keeping in mind who we represent as bnos melachim.” Afterwards, they distributed lists of ways that individuals can be more mindful of modesty. They then asked students to take on an extra element of modesty upon themselves, and they placed their kabbalos in beautiful MDF boxes. Finally, they sold MDF bracelets which individuals can wear as a reminder of their kabbalos. All proceeds from the sale of the bracelets go towards supporting the IDF.
Recently, world renowned speaker from Israel Rabbanit Kineret Sarah Cohen recognized the MDF initiative in her highly popular emunah shiur. Rabbanit Cohen praised Shira and Eden, saying, “These young women in Am Yisrael truly took matters into their own hands and actually activated spirituality in our midst. I am proud of the girls and the administration who allowed [them] to facilitate this campaign and encouraged [them] to shield Am Yisrael.” Word has spread far about the MDF program, and schools in other communities are eager to implement this initiative as well.
