On Sunday, February 4, Yavneh Academy grandmothers, mothers, aunts and sixth grade girls joined in a bat mitzvah celebration honoring the generations of women. The class of 2020 dedicated the event to the Jewish Institute for the Blind and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the organization.

The morning event was multifaceted and included an art gallery, dance and song presentations and a number of messages for the young women. The girls who participated in the art gallery had learned a variety of psukim from Tanach which incorporated the theme of blindness. The girls translated the psukim into artistic renditions which were beautifully displayed. Another group presented “But I Can Still See,” a song composed by Hindy Markovitz to reflect her own experienced as a blind young woman who can see, albeit differently from one with sight. Wearing dance shirts, another group performed an original work choreographed by Alex Greene, Yavneh sixth grader, and Jordana Baruchov, sixth grade dean.

Upon entering a beautifully decorated room, families began working on a Braille activity which had been donated by the Jewish Institute for The Blind. Linda Esses introduced the theme and concept of the grandmother/mother/daughter bat mitzvah celebration. Barbara Rubin, associate principal, discussed the empowerment of women and Jordana Baruchov spoke about the importance of relationships and making connections.

Not only did the girls look beautiful but they felt beautiful. It was a true celebration of family, chesed, Torah and womanhood!