Ma’ayanot’s 2024 “Rapids Retreat” on Thursday, September 19 gave students the opportunity to build connections with each other both within and across grades. Meticulously planned by Ma’ayanot’s incredible programming team, led by Assistant Principal for Co-Curricular Life Rabbi Zev Prince and Director of Student Activities Aliza Adler, the retreat brought the whole school together in the morning, and featured a special activity for each grade in the afternoon.

After davening and packing provisions for the day, all Ma’ayanot students and faculty began the trip with apple picking at Pennings Orchard. Students made the most of the gorgeous weather and pleasant surroundings. Buoyed by their own high spirits and led by the enthusiastic seniors, students across multiple grades began an impromptu dance party. After lunch, freshmen enjoyed tie-dying and then bowling, sophomores painted pottery, juniors went ice-skating, and seniors went kayaking on Greenwood Lake. At one point, all the seniors brought their kayaks into a circle, and sang heartfelt songs in a kumzitz on the lake.

Junior Liana Kahan described the retreat as “an opportunity to meet new people and spend quality time with those you already know.” Freshman Aliza Gaisin also appreciated the retreat. “It was so much fun to spend time with friends and teachers,” she said. Freshman Leah Shell noted that she “came to the day with positivity, ready to enjoy all the different activities,” and had so much fun! Senior Lea Teitelbaum added, “Everyone brought amazing energy! It was so special to bond with other grades.”

Ma’ayanot values each student’s academic achievements as well as her social development. The administration and faculty recognize that high school is a time for making new friends and for finding role models who help students reach their potential in all areas. Ma’ayanot is a place where warm and caring relationships with friends and faculty develop, and students across all grades become friends.