Bruriah brought incredible ruach on Chanukah this year with a beautiful balance of fun programs and inspiring activities every day.
Tuesday’s yom iyun brought a spark of inspiration to Chanukah, encouraging everyone to “Shine A Little Light” in the lives of those around us. The program began with words of inspiration from Tanach faculty member Talia Kronenberg, who discussed what it means to illuminate the world with your actions. This was followed by a beautiful student choir, and then by a panel in which faculty members spoke about their experiences finding light in times of darkness, or times they have tried to bring light to the world. The yom iyun culminated with guest speaker, Devora Kigel, who expanded on practical applications of these topics. At the end of the yom iyun, Bruriah students walked away with concrete suggestions for how to shine their own personal light with inspiring suggestions on beautifully designed buttons, like “say shehakol with extra kavanah,” or “swap a word” for a nicer alternative.
On Wednesday morning, the simcha of Chanukah was marked with an outstanding chagiga. Decked out in their Bruriah Chanukah shirts, Bruriah students stood eagerly by the ballroom stage, waiting to see what would be in store for them at their chagiga. A man with a keyboard stood on the stage, playing indistinct music, until they heard the unmistakable sound of “Ashira, ashira, ashira l’Hashem…” The room exploded with cheers, knowing who was about to emerge- Mordechai Shapiro! Singing some of his greatest hits like “B’Yachad,” “Ein Od Milvado,” “Hakol Mishamayim,” “Dancing in the Rain” and more, the chagiga was filled with singing, dancing and indescribable ruach.
The rest of the week was filled with even further Chanukah programming, including big sister/little sister doughnut decorating, the annual Chanukah Privilege Auction, and gradewide Chanukah games. “Bruriah really allowed us to feel the Chanukah atmosphere,” reflected senior Bella Mandel. “The ruach in the building all week was really incredible.”
