Last week, Bruriah had the tremendous honor of hosting Sivan Rahav-Meir, renowned Israeli journalist, media personality and lecturer. Her visit to Bruriah was made possible by the Bohm Family, who sponsored this annual program l’iluy nishmas Ava and Ian Waisbord, Chava Raizel bas Yocheved and Yisrael Eliezer Ben Tzvi Hirsch.

Ms. Rahav-Meir’s visit came on the heels of Yom Ha’Atzmaut, and accordingly she spoke to the students about the importance of independence, both on a personal level and on a national level. She encouraged students to use independence as a vehicle for developing self-confidence and individuality, by not simply doing what everyone else is doing and learning to think for themselves. She explained that, once we have developed these skills and are comfortable with ourselves, we can further our connection to Hashem and our contributions to the Jewish People.

Following her talk, Ms. Rahav-Meir took a private tour of Bruriah’s Holocaust Museum led by several tenth grade students. She shared how impressed she was with their expertise, poise and confidence. She found it especially poignant to see an exhibit in the museum dedicated to victims of October 7.

Ms. Rahav-Meir’s words resonate strongly with Bruriah’s students, as Self-Confidence and Personal Growth are two of Bruriah’s core values. Students emerged from this relevant, powerful conversation with stronger resolve to build on these foundations.