On Friday, November 8, Ben Porat Yosef (BPY) had the distinct honor of hosting 120 Bnot Sherut from the Bat Ami Organization, bringing together young women from across North America—representing the United States, Canada, and Mexico—for a day of learning, reflection and meaningful connection. The Bnot Sherut, who dedicate a year of service in Jewish communities worldwide, came together with BPY students for an emotionally charged program that had a lasting impact on everyone involved.

The event was particularly meaningful given the strong, personal ties between the Bat Ami Organization and BPY. Adi Abebe, the coordinator of Bat Ami, is a beloved former shlicha (Israeli emissary) who worked at BPY in years past. Her return to BPY as one of the leaders of the Bat Ami delegation brought an additional layer of warmth and familiarity to the day, reinforcing the longstanding connection between the school and the Bat Ami organization.

The day was made even more special by the presence of Renana Shalom, a current Bat Sherut whose parents were among the original shlichim families at BPY. Shalom’s connection to BPY runs deep, and her involvement in the program further highlighted the multigenerational impact of the shlichim program. Her presence brought a sense of continuity and a connection to the legacy of service, community and Jewish identity that has been at the heart of BPY for many years.

The day began with a welcome breakfast where students and staff had the opportunity to engage with the Bnot Sherut in a relaxed setting before the formal events began. The Bnot Sherut made their way down the hallways in a joyous parade, with students cheering. This symbolic procession set the tone for a day of shared learning and emotional connection.

The Bnot Sherut led in-class activities focused on the weekly Torah portion, Lech Lecha. They taught the students a dance and hand movements to the songs “Lech Lecha” and “Hashem Yitbarach,” which helped bring the themes of the Torah portion to life. These sessions encouraged deep reflection on emunah, journey and commitment—concepts that resonate both in the Torah and in the Bnot Sherut’s own year of service.

Then the early childhood and elementary school students gathered for a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat ceremony, led by the Bnot Sherut. The emotional impact of the service was felt by all as students and Bnot Sherut came together in prayer, enveloped in the warmth of the moment. The middle school students joined for their own Kabbalat Shabbat, as the Bnot Sherut led the students in a stirring expression of Jewish song and prayer, deepening the connection between all those present.

At one point during Kabbalat Shabat, when the students and all the Bnot Sherut were singing to the heavens, Moti Elmaliach, the COO of the office of Shuret Le’umi, who was watching the joyful scene, began to shed tears. He explained that two weeks ago, his nephew Master Sergeant Gilad Elmaliach, HY”D, was killed in Gaza. Elmaliach said that seeing all these Jewish children singing and learning added to his understanding that this is what we are fighting for.

Afterward, the group gathered for a special meeting with BPY Judaic Studies Principal Dr. Chagit Hadar and the BPY shlichim. The BPY shlichim spoke about their own experiences of service, the importance of continuing to speak Hebrew and their commitment to giving back to the community with The emotional nature of this gathering was felt by all, as both the bnot sherut and shlichim shared stories of their journeys and the meaningful connections they have built with the communities they serve. The pride and passion they conveyed about their missions left a lasting impact on everyone present.

This collaboration between BPY and Bat Ami was a resounding success, with both students and Bnot Sherut deeply moved by the experience. The day’s events underscored the power of Jewish unity, the importance of service, and the profound impact that shared experiences and learning can have on individuals and communities.