Ma’ayanot constantly and dynamically assesses the best way to help students learn, grow and become their best selves. Each year, Ma’ayanot focuses on a specific theme that expresses the school’s values and gives students a spiritual-motivational lens with which to meet current challenges. This year, Ma’ayanot’s focus is “Ma’alin Bakodesh, Be the Light,” as a way to inspire growth throughout the Ma’ayanot community.

The halachic concept of ma’alin bakodesh, rising in holiness, is famously associated with the practice of adding another candle on each night of Chanukah, thus suggesting the loose translation, “be the light.” In her remarks to students at the beginning of the year, Head of School CB Neugroschl cited Rabbi Sacks’ insight regarding light that “the more you give, the more you have.” Even in times when the world seems dark, each student can seek out her own inner light, be it Torah, chesed or general knowledge, and share it with others. “Be the Light” is an invitation and inspiration for each student to bring light through her own learning and service to others.

Teachers also carry the theme into their classrooms. For example, the history department is coordinating the teaching of dialogue skills in order to be “ma’alin bakodesh,” and elevate classroom discourse about difficult topics such as the U.S. election. In addition, each year in 10th grade Chumash, students analyze the actions of heroic individuals such as Moshe Rabbeinu and the midwives Shifra and Puah, who stood up against the injustice of the status quo. Tenth grade Tanakh teacher Shifra Schapiro reflected, “This year’s theme gives students the opportunity to see the continuity between themselves and the heroes of Shemot, who brought light to a dark time through their moral behavior.” Ma’ayanot students realize that they too have the power as individuals to “be the light.”