Last week, Bruriah had the distinct privilege of welcoming renowned lecturer, educator and 2018 Israel Prize recipient Miriam Peretz to address the students. She spoke about resilience and bitachon in the face of unthinkable tragedy, and inspired the students with her unbelievable strength and warmth.

Miriam has endured profound loss twice, losing two of her sons who were serving in the IDF. Her oldest son, Udiel, was killed fighting in Lebanon in 1998, and her second son, Eliraz, was killed in 2010 during clashes with Gaza. In between these tragedies, her husband Eliezer died of what Miriam described simply as a broken heart. Miriam remarkably chose how to define her life after these immense losses, and she opted to spread messages of hope and encouragement to those experiencing similar losses and more broadly to anyone who could benefit from her story.

Students were left completely awestruck by Miriam, both by the messages she conveyed and by her as an individual. As freshman Menucha Gluck reflected, “She was really able to connect her experiences to everything we are going through, both personally and collectively as a nation.” Sophomore Esther Weinstein was struck by how genuine Miriam was, “She really personifies everything she spoke about. Despite the horrible tragedies she faced, her message was full of happiness and positivity, and so is she.”

Following her speech, students flocked to Miriam for additional insights and wisdom, which concluded with Miriam and students spontaneously singing “Am Yisrael Chai.” Bruriah is eternally grateful to Miriam Peretz for this incredible opportunity and to the Bohm Family for sponsoring the program.