One of the hallmarks of Ma’ayanot is that every student has the opportunity to initiate and lead activities of interest to her. For example, inspired by the recent Siyum HaShas, students at Ma’ayanot formed a Ma’ayanot Daf Yomi WhatsApp group, where a different student posts her reading each day’s daf. Talmud faculty and students from other schools were also invited to participate. Said co-founder Hannah Munk (‘22), who listens to each day’s daf on her morning commute, “Now that I’m learning Shas, I can’t wait for the next siyum!”

Heartbeats, an evening of song, dance and connection, is another student initiative that raises thousands for tzedaka each year. It is run entirely by students who create and lead the performances, choose the tzedaka, fundraise and coordinate logistics. Said Avital Novogrodsky (‘20), “After three years of participating in Heartbeats dance, I have learned the importance of teamwork, discipline and determination. Now, as Heartbeats dance director, I get to choreograph my own dances and watch them come to life.” Song director Ayelet Abenaim (‘20) explains that the student directors “create singing groups, teach harmonies and put together an entertaining performance. Hearing so many voices come together to make a perfect harmony really reflects Heartbeats as a whole. Everyone coming together that last night to watch and donate to these programs shows how when we work together as a nation, anything can be done.”

The Daf Yomi WhatsApp and Heartbeats are just two of the many student-run activities at Ma’ayanot. Ma’ayanot’s NCSY-JUMP team, championship sports and academic teams, Envision Shakespeare, publications, the 2020 Bergen County finalist Mock Trial team, musical and drama performances, award-winning STEAM projects and much more, all give Ma’ayanot students the opportunity to steer their own ship in Torah, humanities, sciences, mathematics, law, sports, performing arts and community leadership.