Bruriah seniors celebrated the completion of their four years at Bruriah with a shabbaton in Springfield. A return visit on Friday by Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein of Ohr Naava provided the final installment of Senior Seminar, a year-long program featuring guest speakers every Friday morning. One senior commented “He was so good—he says meaningful and impactful ideas yet expresses them in a simple and easy to follow manner. I loved it! A perfect way to start off a weekend of inspiration.” Another senior added “I really thought about what he said throughout Shabbos.”

Information regarding senior trip was up next as students look forward to three action-packed days together in Canada. Pizza and fries preceded the next part of the Friday program. Under the direction of Michli Silverstein the students created one-of-a kind lamps using a color-flow paint technique that most had never tried before. The results are striking, original, bursting-with-color bedside lamps ready to be plugged in and used. Special thank you to Congregation Israel of Springfield and the many host homes who made the girls feel so welcome. Several workshops and speakers enhanced Shabbos, including a workshop by Rabbi and Mrs. Oratz, a values workshop, chavruta learning, a farewell drasha by Rabbi Marcus who is also a senior grade teacher at Bruriah. An “Ask the Rabbi and Rebbetzin session” and seuda shelishit at the home of Ben and Daniella Hoffer. Chevi Garfinkel rounded off the Shabbat program with a moving and meaningful speech about recognizing Hashem’s love for us even when things don’t always turn out as planned. The kumzitz that followed her speech would have gone on for hours if not for the imminent arrival of the buses.