After two years of uncertainty, Shiriyah finally returned to the halls of Yeshivat Frisch—and did she ever return! The energy at “breakout” on Friday, April 1 was electric, and scarcely describable. Then, Frisch’s over 900 students wasted no time bringing their Torah theme to life through a series of amazing creative projects. This year’s school-wide theme was redemption in Tanach. Each grade’s projects centered on their part of the theme—from Yetziyat Mizrayim, through the midbar and Matan Torah through the entry to Eretz Yisrael and the building of the Beit HaMikdash.

The magnificent key feature of Shiriyah, which ties together Frisch’s core values of intellectual inquiry, religious growth, pursuit of passion and kindness, is that each student has the opportunity to shine. Over the course of Shiriyah week, students focus their talents on whichever special projects they choose. This year’s amazing creations, each of which were researched meticulously and reflected various ideas from the Tanach’s text and meforshim, included: floor-to-ceiling murals, painted banners, themed hallways, escape rooms, a box car derby, Rube Goldberg machines, Escape the Room, decorated cakes, fashion design, videos (both live-action and stop-motion), stomp routines and more. In addition, the week of Shiriyah featured a variety of activities, from Torah Bowl and Family Feud to—new this year—three rounds of a Chopped-style cooking competition! (And yes, even the mystery baskets were redemption themed!)

Freshmen described how they benefited from the mentorship of the seniors as they completed their projects. “It’s been really nice,” said freshman Daniela Hahn. “Everyone is really inclusive and I’ve met so many people.”

Last year, due to covid, Shiriyah was held at Camp Moshava following school-wide covid testing. For students, it was incredibly special to have Shiriyah back at Frisch once again. “It is so nice finally painting again on the Frisch wall,” said senior Sophia Kohn, who was one of the artists for her grade’s mural as well as part of the senior band. “When I’m not painting on the wall, I’m playing my guitar for band. The thrill of that—of going from painting on the wall to picking up my guitar and jamming with the band—will never be forgotten.”

This year, the weeklong program culminated in a final event on the evening of Thursday, April 7. Family, friends and alumni were invited too—a true blessing after the last two years. In addition, over 20 thousand people viewed Shiriyah online, including many alumni in Israel. Each grade, including their student choirs and live bands, performed the songs they had been practicing throughout the week. Afterwards, the four grades came together for a school-wide kumzitz.

In the words of freshman Noa Reiser: “It was the most awesome time ever.”