JKHA sixth grade girls had a magnificent and meaningful Bat Mitzvah Week at JKHA with Morah Nechama Hendel. They started the program with an introductory exercise with MS Guidance Counselor Ms. Wasserman about the idea of your house as a foundation of who you are as a young Jewish woman, and thinking about all of the things we add to our house as metaphors for the influences in our life. Afterwards, the students listened to a talk from teacher Morah Nim. She spoke about gaining a yetzer tov and the significant challenge and beauty of doing what you’re told to do.
The week continued as they broke into groups to learn about the Imahot and Neviot in an escape-room style activity. By answering questions about these role models, the girls figured out clues to opening the lock of the next box. Then they designed bookmarks with something memorable from the week together. Mrs. Esty Grossbaum from Friendship Circle came to talk to the girls about the mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles. She explained how Shabbat Kits are packed weekly and then delivered to hospitals. The girls each wrote a personal message on a Shabbat Shalom card which gets added to the kit. The day ended with a special concert featuring Jewish country singer Tehila Erlich which was absolutely outstanding! The girls participated joyously by singing and dancing on stage. The night was packed with sweet meaningful messages and connecting through music.
On Thursday the girls had guests from Bayview, Ontario. Rivky Gansburg shared an inspiring story about becoming a bat mitzvah. Then her daughters spoke about the chesed projects they took on in honor of their bat mitzvahs. Roza shared that she baked challah and gave the proceeds to an organization that helps special-needs children internationally. Chaya used her passion for art and sold her paintings to help Israeli terror victims. They both became pen-pals with someone from their respective organizations.
The day concluded as the girls got to hear from influencer @nonjewishnanny.. She spoke about the positive side of tzniut, how beauty really comes from within and the importance of Jewish pride and support for Israel. Her final message on mitzvot was to look for a way in, instead of a way out!
