In keeping with Bruriah’s core values of fostering self-confidence, joyful learning, meaningful relationships and growth, Bruriah students introduced two new student-led learning initiatives last week. Senior Atara Ambinder and juniors Tova Flint and Esther Bracha Zahtz approached the Bruriah faculty with their goal to start an after school club devoted to improving oneself, and a few weeks later, the Midos Tovos Initiative came to fruition.

The first session featured the three midos of simcha, dan l’kaf zchus and the value of friendship, with a rotation of students speaking about each midah. After an engaging discussion, Principal Dr. Bethany Strulowitz tied all three of the midos together in a very inspiring and thought-provoking speech followed by a delicious dinner of poppers, cholent and potato kugel. With so many students in attendance, this program speaks volumes about the quality of Bruriah students who are dedicating time after school to focus on bettering themselves. “It was such a special experience getting to learn together with other people about something you all feel very connected to,” expressed Zahtz. In future sessions, other members of the club will have a chance to lead the discussion, thereby promoting further student leadership and connection.

A second student-led learning initiative, the Hashkafa Club, led by junior Eliora Hyman and sophomore Masha Shapiro, offers students an opportunity during lunch to expand on the philosophical discussions they enjoy having outside the time constraints of a classroom period. Shapiro shared, “We always enjoyed discussing hashkafic concepts together, and it is incredible to explore how we could expand on that.” Suzanne Rabinovitch, the director of NCSY 4G, has been leading the student-centered discussion around emuna and bitachon in each of the weekly club sessions.

“Both of these programs speak to the very best of what Bruriah has to offer our students: self-confidence, growth, empowerment and discovery,” shared Dr. Strulowitz.