To conclude their senior year, the RKYHS Class of 2023 had the opportunity to participate in a variety of programs through Senior Sessions that help prepare them for their next stage of life.
Students heard from a number of speakers on a wide-range of topics. They heard from JKHA parent Ben Hoffer who spoke about “Questions of Faith that Really Matter.” He also distributed to each senior the book that he collaborated on about faith dedicated in memory of his parents. Afterwards, they heard from Dr. Chaim Nissel, vice provost for Student Affairs at Yeshiva University and trainer for the American Association of Suicidology. He was joined by two current YU and Stern students who spoke about preparing for mental health challenges at college and ways to combat them. Students also heard from Adela Cojab on the topic of “Defending Israel on the College Campus.” Cojab is a recent NYU graduate, published author and Israel activist who spoke about how to be an advocate on college campuses.
Rabbi Avi Schwartz (JKHA ‘05/RKYHS ‘09), head of the JLIC (Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus) at Rutgers University, spoke about opportunities and challenges for Jewish life on college campuses today. Moshe Horn, a defense attorney, spoke about the variety of legal issues that college students today face and the importance of making good choices.
The students then took a trip to One World Observatory, Ground Zero and the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum to pay homage to the victims and heroes of that infamous day. Later in the week they heard from David Orbach of Regal Bank (and JKHA/RKYHS parent), who spoke to students about personal finance including bank accounts, budgeting, credit history and protecting your identity. Billy Taylor, former NY Giants football player, corporate trainer spoke to students about career lessons he learned while playing in the NFL and how it formed the rest of his life.
For their last sessions, students learned about taharat hamishpacha, family purity. They first had learning sessions as an introduction to the laws involved and then visited Mikvah Chana in Livingston, seeing the beautiful facility and hearing from mikvah attendants about their experiences helping people carry out this meaningful and important set of mitzvot.
The seniors also enjoyed the Almost Alumni Breakfast. Recent alumni joined the Class of 2023 to answer their questions about their transitions to college and Israel and Jewish life on campus. RKYHS also honored the JKHA/RKYHS “Lifers” who have been students since pre-k, for 14 consecutive years. The brunch was followed by a “clap out” as seniors walked the halls of the JKHA Early Childhood and Lower School one last time, marking their progression through the years.
