From the Bruriah gym, to the ballroom to Zoom participants the Aseret Yemei Teshuva Yom Iyun was a huge success again this year. The theme of the yom iyun was Achat Shoalti, forming a connection with Hashem and recognizing that we have the incredible blessing to be able to speak to our Creator directly. To set the mood, the yom iyun started out with a beautiful choir and video, showing different ways of connecting with Hashem- through tefillah, learning and doing mitzvot. Students had an opportunity to hear short messages from people who have impacted students at Bruriah in the past year (i.e. Shimi Adar who came for a Rosh Chodesh Adar Chagiga, former Bruriah Principal Rabbi Oratz and Kayla Goldstein, former G.O president of Bruriah). They each shared a small way that they connect with Hashem throughout the day.

A very special guest speaker, Rabbi Goldstein, addressed the students, sharing his incredible story of his journey into Judaism. He showed how special it is that we get to serve Hashem everyday, and told us how empty life is when you have nothing guiding your life. He also played beautiful Chassidish niggunim that showed just how happy he is to be Jewish!

All of the students enjoyed a quick snack of doughnuts and iced coffee, and came back to hear from a panel of beloved teachers, each discussing a different sub-theme of the yom iyun. They spoke about seeing everything l’tova, as everything is not necessarily good, but that everything is for the good. One teacher spoke about recognizing that everything, shehakol, is from Hashem and that even when we can’t understand it, we remember that it is still from Hashem. Fellow students spoke to their peers about taking each of these sub-themes on as a kabbalah to start off the new year. The closing activity was to make bracelets that say a related kabbalah so each girl can be reminded of the message and reflect on this meaningful yom iyun.

Aliza Walzman is a senior at Bruriah High School.