Ma’ayanot’s annual challah bake took on special significance this year, and Ma’ayanot’s student center was radiant with blue and white, as mothers, grandmothers, aunts and sisters joined as part of the Ma’ayanot family to “Rise Up For Israel” on Wednesday February 14, an evening that brought together over 400 participants to honor Israel and Tzahal.

Organized by Ma’ayanot’s incredible programming team of Aliza Adler, Nina Kamintesky, R. Zev Prince and Miriam Schwartz, the evening began with a shiur by Ma’ayanot Judaic studies teacher Rivka Alter, mother of Avigayil (‘27) and of a current Tzahal soldier, who emphasized that challah infuses spirituality into the physical world, just as salvation for our brethren in Israel demands both our spiritual and physical efforts. Each of the evening’s multiple tefillot was led by a Ma’ayanot student or faculty member with an immediate family member currently serving.

Ma’ayanot students also showcased their talents to express their connection to Klal Yisrael. Dance captains Jordana Bruschansky (‘24) and Kayla Lowy (‘24) explained that the varsity dance team’s Israel-themed performance and the JV’s daglanut “represent the essence of what Israel means to us—connection to the land, and the values of emunah and achdut.” Talented sophomore Shira Nagar sang beautifully in memory of her sister-in-law, Celine Ben-David Nager HY”D, who was taken from this world too soon on October 7.

Sophomore Adina Schneck explained, “It is very special to be part of a school community that balances the simcha of Adar with the difficult reality of what is going on in Israel. We had moments of dance and happiness with friends and family, along with moments of tefillah and reflection.” We extend hakarat hatov to the 13 Ma’ayanot families who sponsored the challah bake. As Head of School Mrs. CB Neugroschl highlighted, “At this time of trial, we want to be surrounded by people who share our values, who are our family, and to join together to extend our tefillot across the seas.”