SAR High School transformed into a whirlwind of excitement during its annual Mac-a-Bee! From thrilling athletic competitions, beginning with four way tug-of-war and an exhilarating Amazing Race, to creative endeavors like visual arts, culinary creations, design engineering and musical masterpieces, the energy was palpable. With over 70 competitions, over the course of two and a half days, the “hive,” buzzed with positive energy. SAR High School was brimming with ruach, achdut, friendly rivalry, grade bonding, chesed activities and a serious dose of learning, as students delved into trivia challenges and Torah Studies.
One unique aspect of the Mac-a-Bee is that it demands the students have a deep understanding of a chosen theme, requiring them to creatively demonstrate this knowledge, from spirited team songs to intricately designed team banners. This year’s theme at SAR High School is “Koach HaDibbur” (The Power of Speech), and the four teams explored the profound impact of speech through the lens of four mitzvot.
The ninth graders, Sippur (Storytelling), emphasized the power of narrative in shaping one’s identity. There is a positive commandment to recount the story of the Exodus, as one’s own story. By retelling it in every generation, we ensure it becomes an integral part of who we are. Storytelling, in Judaism, is a medium of freedom, allowing us to express our values and build a shared sense of community. The 10th graders, Tefillah (Prayer), focused on the profound impact of prayer on the human spirit. They highlighted how prayer provides a space for introspection and self-discovery, enabling one to articulate deepest hopes and desires. The 11th graders, Nedarim (Vows), delved into the significance of vows as powerful expressions of commitment, trustworthiness and personal growth. They emphasized the halakhic weight of vows, underscoring the importance of careful consideration and the process of hatarat nedarim (annulment of vows) in cases of genuine misunderstanding. Finally, the 12th graders, Talmud Torah, explored the importance of vocalized Torah study. They emphasized the power of chavrutot in fostering deep understanding and meaningful discourse. Perhaps most importantly, Torah is the common language of the Jewish people, transcends time and space, connecting generations through its timeless wisdom and serving as the beating heart of an eternal people.
Overall, Mac-a-bee was a fun, meaningful, and uplifting week, showcasing the enduring spirit of community, creativity and innovative learning.
