This past Wednesday, BPY’s elementary and middle school students celebrated י״ט בכסלו, marking the anniversary of Rav Abraham Isaac Kook’s מסע המושבות (colonial journey). Rav Kook, the first Ashkenazi chief rabbi of Israel and a key figure in Religious Zionism, dedicated his life to the mission of fostering Zionism both in Israel and beyond.

Throughout the week, students engaged with his legacy through stories and games, deepening their understanding of his unwavering commitment to this mission. The middle school students learned about how Rav Kook always looked at the inside of a person and never judged others based on their behavior. As part of this lesson, they selected qualities they felt defined themselves from a list and glued them onto their silhouettes. The fifth-grade students also learned Rav Kook’s famous teaching and song, “בן אדם עלה למעלה עלה,” a powerful reminder that every person can shine by striving to reach their full potential.

In a special moment during Kabbalat Shabbat, Robyn Badash, BPY director of communications, and Aaron King, proud uncle of BPY students, shared a personal family connection to Rav Kook. He recounted how Rav Kook gave his family permission to immigrate to the USA in 1913, complete with a signed document—a meaningful piece of history connecting past and present.

It was an inspiring moment of learning and celebration, honoring the life and vision of a true leader.