Mishmover (a combination of “Mishmar” and “sleepover”) is the annual highlight of the Torah Programming calendar at Ma’ayanot. From 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 2, until 10:00 a.m. on Friday morning, Ma’ayanot’s school building was buzzing with Torah and fun. Mishmover is Ma’ayanot’s unique overnight learning program filled with serious Torah learning, meaningful discussions with faculty, amazing swag, a silent disco, Purim-themed crafts, dance parties and a student-led tish. After a delicious dinner organized by Ma’ayanot Parent Council volunteers, students spent the night learning Torah from Ma’ayanot faculty, alumni madrichot, current seniors and guest speakers from the community. This year’s theme was “Marbin be-Simcha,” and students explored different ways of infusing simcha into every facet of their lives, including their relationships with Hashem, personal lives and friendships. The nonstop activities included a keynote address by Rav Moshe Tzvi Weinberg and opportunities throughout the night to learn from and spend time with faculty. Mishmover culminated with a vatikin tefillah overlooking the Hudson, breakfast and a kumzitz to close out the program.

Freshman Leba Samuels described her first Mishmover as “inspirational and fun; a special opportunity to learn together across different grades!” Senior Yael Lemonik reflected on her final Mishmover as a student as a “jam-packed night, full of events one after another.” Added senior Yaffa Dimenstein, “I love how the programs unite us and make us feel like one.” Senior Tamar Mankowitz especially loved spending time with teachers, and senior Elianna Wasserman highlighted the bonding with her friends. Hopefully the seniors will come to future Mishmovers as alumni!

Organized by Torah Programming Director Miriam Schwartz, Judaic Studies Principal Danielle Hertzberg, Assistant Principal for Co-Curricular Life Rabbi Zev Prince and Student Activities Director Aliza Adler, Mishmover 5783 was infused with Ma’ayanot magic from beginning to end.