In a moving display of unity, nearly 3,000 students from 20 yeshiva day schools across the East Coast came together on October 7 for the Yeshiva Day Schools United in Tefillah program. The event, held over Zoom, brought together schools, students and educators for a morning of reflection, remembrance and hope.
The initiative, born out of a small group of school programming directors a year ago, was designed to unite yeshiva students in prayer during a time of great challenge. The program has become a symbol of strength and solidarity, with each participating school contributing to a unified voice of resilience.
The morning began with a heartfelt video montage, showcasing the remarkable chesed projects, acts of kindness and community activities that students have engaged in over the past year. Rabbi Jonathan Knapp, head of school at Yavneh Academy, set the tone with his opening remarks. He acknowledged the pain and loss felt this past year but also emphasized that today is about recognizing how much Israel needs us. We need to support each other and unite as one big family. His words served as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and communal responsibility.
The program continued with the singing of “Hatikvah,” followed by Tehillim, tefillot for the chayalim, the State of Israel and the hostages. These prayers, recited by principals and teachers from many of the participating schools, reverberated through the Zoom platform, connecting the students in a shared moment of solemnity and hope.
Among the highlights of the morning were messages from two prominent speakers. Rabbi Zach Frisch, a reservist soldier currently serving in the Israeli army, spoke about the powerful impact the Jewish community’s prayers and mitzvot have on those serving on the front lines. “Your tefillot and your mitzvot are felt by the soldiers,” Rabbi Frisch explained. “It is what gives us strength. Your good deeds are a part of the battle and they keep us going.” Rabbi Leo Dee, whose family was deeply affected by the tragic loss of his wife and two daughters in a terrorist attack, spoke with raw emotion and resilience. Rabbi Dee’s words focused on the importance of finding light in moments of darkness.
The most memorable moment of the morning was when each school sang “Acheinu” in their respective buildings. As the students sang in unison, the powerful sound of their voices came through the screens, creating an overwhelming sense of unity and connection. In that moment, the collective spirit of 3,000 students could be felt, a testament to the strength and resilience of the Jewish community.
As the program drew to a close, the students were left with a deep sense of purpose and a renewed commitment to the values of unity, prayer and support for Israel. The event was not only a reflection of the bond between yeshiva schools, but also a reminder that in times of adversity, we can turn to prayer and communal solidarity to give us strength.
As part of this call to action, the program encouraged students to each take on one additional act of kindness. Rabbi Michael Ribalt, head of school at RPRY, emphasized how powerful it would be if every one of the 3,000 students participating in the event committed to a single act of chesed. “Imagine,” he said, “if each of you took on just one thing—a small act of kindness. That would be 3,000 acts of chesed.” The success of the Yeshiva Day Schools United in Tefillah program is a testament to the power of coming together as a community, transcending geographic boundaries to create a force of positivity and support. As the students returned to their classrooms, they carried with them the powerful message that together, we can face any challenge, and with hope, unity and acts of kindness we will emerge stronger than ever.
Participating schools include Berman Hebrew Academy, Epstein Hebrew Academy, HALB, HANC, Hebrew Academy of Miami, JEC, JKHA, Manhattan Day School, Moriah, North Shore Hebrew Academy, Ohr Chadash Academy, RPRY, Sephardic Academy of Manhattan, Shalshelet, SINAI at JKHA, WTA, Yavneh Academy, YCQ, Yeshiva Har Torah and Yeshivat Noam.
Deena Lewin is the director of Student Programming for the elementary school at Yeshivat Noam.
