As everyone’s minds and hearts are in Israel and as we collectively grieve, RKYHS took the time to process the events of the last few days and come together as a community. RKYHS gathered with all of JKHA middle school and heard from Head of School and Klatt Family Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Rubin who helped contextualize what had happened over the weekend and offered words of encouragement framed by Torah. At the conclusion of the assembly, everyone recited Tehillim, the prayer for the State of Israel, and the prayer for the IDF. RKYHS students also increased their tefillot to highlight portions that speak of solidarity and victory in the face of the enemy.

In their classroom, RKYHS students learned Tehillim 121 (“Esah Einai”), talked about why this tefillah is one we say as a response to difficult events, and focused on how it affirms Hashem’s ongoing care for Am Yisrael. Ivrit classes taught some of the basic facts as well as some of the history behind the weekend’s events and led open discussions with the students about the Israeli experience and students’ relationship to it, allowing them a safe forum to share their feelings. The RKYHS guidance staff also organized ways for students to process everything that was taking place. In addition to their availability throughout the building, they organized a “quiet” space where the students could find respite from the constant news and talk, and led an outdoor lunch walking session to help kids marshall the benefits of physical activity.

RKYHS continues to develop educational and social-emotional programming including a schoolwide rolling Tehillim on WhatsApp, letter writing to IDF soldiers, supply drives and attendance at the New York City rally for Israel.