On motzei Shabbat, October 20, Naaleh students, mothers and faculty gathered for an inspiring evening in commemoration of Rachel Imeinu’s yahrzeit. The goal was to bring the Naaleh community together with incredible Torah, fun and connection.The program began with words from Head of School Deena Kobre, who spoke about the special opportunity for mothers and daughters to celebrate the legacy of our national matriarch.

Guest speaker Rebbetzin Peshi Neuberger prepared a guided learning activity for mothers and daughters as a segue to a fascinating shiur about Rachel’s character. Rebbetzin Neuberger provided a compelling backstory to the classic reading of Rachel and Leah’s rivalry, highlighting Rachel’s unparalleled mastery of the midah of shtikah, silence, that catapulted her above the other avot and imahot to clinch the coveted title, Mama Rochel.

The next part of the program got creative juices flowing! With an amazing tutorial led by stellar art teacher, Renee Schneier, mother-daughter pairs created one-of-a-kind embellished serving pieces with glass beads and wire. Dr. Aliza Frohlich noted, “From the learning, where there was mother-daughter chevruta time to prepare for Mrs. Neuberger’s shiur, to the art project—where both mother and daughter had to partner together, one holding the wire, and one the beads—the entire evening was designed so that there would be mother-daughter bonding and interaction.” Freida Rothman added how much she loved experiencing the inspiring Naaleh energy, noting the sense that she and her daughter “felt a part of something bigger…meeting mothers from other communities, and sharing this fabulous evening with them.” “This evening,” she remarked, “just reconfirmed that Naaleh is the perfect place for my daughter to thrive.”

Thank you to Ashira Feld, one of the school’s dedicated madrichot, for hosting this beautiful event, and of course, to Rebbetzin Neuberger, all the students, mothers and faculty for making this inaugural melava malka event such a resounding success. The evening combined a palpable passion for Torah, creative expression connection to one another and to the community—and that’s what Naaleh is all about!