RKYHS seniors are participating in Senior Sessions, a participatory, educational experience for the 12th graders that prepares them for their next chapters post graduation. From engaging presentations from experts on a wide range of topics, members of the Class of 2019 are appreciating their last opportunity to explore the best aspects of an engaged and informed RKYHS education with their friends and teachers.

Students began the week hearing from Shanee Markowitz, mental health advocate, educator and speaker who spoke about common mental health issues that students may face in college life including stress, anxiety and depression. David Orbach, president of Regal Bank and JKHA/RKYHS parent offered personal finance tips including opening and managing checking and savings accounts, and the dos and don’ts of managing money and finances as a college student.

Later in the week, students heard from the JLIC rabbi at Rutgers University Rabbi Tzvi Wohlgelernte. Rabbi Tzvi, as he is affectionately known by students, was joined by four RKYHS alumni studying at Rutgers to discuss with students about how to handle some of the challenges of being observant on college campuses. The alumni and speaker offered insight into what they might expect and tips on how to maintain Jewish identity.

Students also took a meaningful trip to the 9/11 Tribute Center and Memorial fountains, One World Trade Center and Observatory and the Auschwitz exhibit at the Museum of Jewish Heritage.

As the week of programming concluded, students participated in separate workshops with representatives from the Shalom Task Force who discussed healthy relationships, warning signs of abuse and how to prevent it. The final speakers for the first week were survivors from the Seton Hall University fire, Alvaro Llanos and Shawn Simons. The two are now motivational speakers and authors of the New York Times best-selling book “After the Fire.” Llanos and Simons spoke about perseverance, dealing with adversity and overcoming challenges.