Yavneh Academy’s lower school and middle school students engaged in a series of thoughtful and age-appropriate programs throughout the day, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the tragic events of October 7.
All students in grades one through eight crafted heartfelt messages and tefillot on yellow ribbons, which will be beautifully displayed at the entrance of Yavneh as a collective art piece. Additionally, Yavneh launched a school-wide Mishnayot learning initiative that links the English date to the Hebrew yahrzeit, culminating in a siyum upon the return to school following Simchat Torah.
Additionally, first graders contributed to a blue-and-white quilt display expressing hakarat hatov to our chayalim. Second and third graders created beaded bracelets to be delivered through the Koby Mandell Foundation to Israeli children who have experienced loss. Students in grades three to six participated in a nationwide Zoom program involving 3,000 students from yeshiva day schools across the country. This program featured uplifting tefillot and inspiring addresses from Rabbi Leo Dee and reservist Rabbi Zach Frisch. Yavneh Academy fourth and fifth graders united for a kumzitz, where they sang together and listened to an inspiring speech from Morah Isca.
Yavneh Academy seventh and eighth graders commenced their day with a global Zoom program organized by the Mizrachi schools department. All middle school students then participated in chesed projects in their classrooms. Sixth graders wrote letters of appreciation to local Bergen County families with chayalim serving in the IDF. Seventh graders assembled self-care packages for 100 wives of soldiers in Carmei Gat and other areas in Israel, who are managing their families while their husbands are away. Eighth graders composed letters to families of soldiers who have lost their lives defending Israel. Additionally, middle school students participated in a discussion led by Rabbi Neuberger through the Consortium of Jewish Day Schools, addressing pressing questions pertinent to their age group. They also engaged in collaborative learning of their first Mishnayot in preparation for the Yavneh siyum. Eighth graders also took part in a Human Museum program, hearing personal stories from faculty members directly affected by the events of October 7. The day concluded with a kumzitz, where students gathered to sing and view slideshows honoring our fallen soldiers and civilians, as well as those currently fighting for their safety.
