After months of difficult separation, Bruriah’s graduating class of 2020 was finally reunited for a unique ceremony none of us will ever forget. Not unlike the set up of a drive-in movie, we all parked our cars in front of a huge screen and were able to get a crystal clear image of the procession while sitting comfortably in our air-conditioned vehicles.

After introductory remarks by Associate Principal Mrs. Peikes, we and our parents heard from Valedictorian Judith Wechter and Salutatorian Shira Friedman. Both students captivated the audience, giving over powerful and inspiring messages about their unique Bruriah experience and stepped down from the podium to the sound of over 70 cars honking their horns in celebration.

Next to take the stage was Dean of JEC Rav Elazar M. Teitz, who has been present at all previous 53 Bruriah graduations and was not going to let a global pandemic ruin that attendance record. He spoke passionately about the profound difference between schooling and education; schooling being what you are taught by your teachers, and education being what you take with you from what you learned. He echoed in his speech the values that Bruriah teachers have been imparting for so long and reinforced within us the valuable lessons that we can take with us from our schooling.

Next, Rabbi Oratz stepped up to the podium wearing a cap and gown for he too was graduating this year. Rabbi Oratz, speaking to us for the last time as principal of Bruriah, reiterated Moshe Rabbenu’s final speech to Bnei Yisrael about choosing to live a Torah life and all the bracha that comes with it. He stressed upon us how valuable a Torah life can be and emotionally urged us all to constantly strive to be the best we can possibly be.

Finally, we were called up one by one to receive our “graduation boxes” containing meaningful (and some of them edible) farewell gifts and, of course, our beloved yearbooks.

And despite all the changes we had to endure, we as Bruriah’s graduating Class of 2020 threw up our caps in celebration, (distantly) surrounded by those we love, making each and every hurdle we jumped absolutely worth it.

By Kayla Goldstein,�Bruriah GO President, Class of 2024

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