Ma’ayanot seniors capped off their high school careers with a bang! Rivka Alter, faculty advisor for Senior Experience, arranged a special two-week program that gave seniors a preview of adult Jewish living. Each day began with setting aside time for Torah, reinforcing the importance of incorporating Torah into our lives even out of school. The seniors chose among various learning opportunities that spanned different topics and formats. Several speakers from the community, including many Ma’ayanot parents, spoke in their areas of expertise about choices seniors will face as adults: Rabbi Larry Rothwachs about organ donation; Chana Schneck about financial literacy; Dr. Shaindi Cyrulnik about relationships and consent; and Dr. Jonathan Donath, founder of DailyGiving.org, about tzedaka. Students visited the Teaneck Mikvah and heard from the esteemed volunteer leadership about running a vital community organization, and learned from a panel of senior Ma’ayanot halacha faculty, three of whom are yoatzot halacha.

Seniors also had two full-day trips to New York City, the first focusing on Jewish culture, and the second on chesed opportunities within the greater New York Jewish community, and were also invited to participate in NORPAC. Finally, each day incorporated a fun physical activity, such as krav maga, for “seniors to experience memorable moments together as a grade,” Mrs. Alter explained.

“It’s very hard to leave Ma’ayanot,” said senior Aliza Guzman. “Senior experience is focused on topics we’ve always wanted to learn, and geared to helping us make the transition to next year,” agreed Adina Brandstatter. “We have deep relationships with teachers and fellow students at this point,” noted Racheli Miller and Esther Friedlander, “and now we really have the opportunity to bond!”

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Rivka Alter, seniors got a glimpse of a balanced adult Jewish life, including Torah learning, halachic observance, physical health, joyous friendships, financial responsibility and contributing to the community. Ma’ayanot seniors are ready to take on the world!