After four incredible years at Ma’ayanot, it’s time for seniors to take their first steps into adulthood, and Ma’ayanot puts a lot of effort into preparing them for that passage. Each Wednesday morning, seniors engage in workshops and presentations on fundamental topics such as decision-making, chesed, civic participation and leadership. The weekly seminars culminate in a meaningful two-week “Senior Experience” after twelfth grade classes end. Designed and arranged to the last detail by Ma’ayanot’s Senior Coordinator Rivka Alter, the goal of Senior Experience is to “expose Ma’ayanot seniors to different elements of Jewish adult communal life, and empower them to begin imagining and developing a role for themselves within the larger community,” said Mrs. Alter.
In two action-packed weeks, Ma’ayanot seniors learned together each morning in Torah classes of their choice. Each day’s activities had a theme, such as building a Jewish family, where students visited the Teaneck mikvah, learned from the many yoatzot halacha and kallah teachers on Ma’ayanot’s faculty, and heard a personal account of one woman’s challenging road to motherhood. Seniors explored financial management with Chana Schneck, entrepreneurship with Yakira Bella founder Emily Gerzberg, and relationships and consent with Dr. Shaindi Cyrulnik, all mothers of current students, as well as women’s health with Dr. Leora Joel. Nutritionist Lauren Dorman shared insights for a young adult in charge of her own menus, followed by a fun “Chopped” competition. Guest experts, including Ma’ayanot mom Dasi Jacob, taught seniors yoga, krav maga and CPR. “I really enjoyed the range of classes, and learned so much from them,” one senior declared.
Rain did not stop the seniors from having a blast on two New York City trips as part of their senior experience. The students explored the Museum of Jewish Heritage, especially enjoyed a Statue of Liberty boat ride, visited the Ohel and helped at Yad Leah in Passaic. The milestones of senior trip and graduation are still to come! Ma’ayanot seniors will surely be ready for the challenges and joys of adulthood with the learning, friendships and spiritual connections that they have gained in their years at Ma’ayanot.
