As of the first semester of the 2025-2026 school year, the senior girls have been gathering on an almost monthly basis for special events that convey meaningful and inspiring messages. With teacher Dr. Hana Barouk planning everything with so much care, she and the senior girls have created a space where they can grow together and enjoy their last year together on a deeper level. Each event is different, but they all help them connect with themselves and each other.
The first event in September started the year on an excellent note. The seniors were welcomed into a beautiful challah bake hosted by Michelle Solomon, where they had the privilege to hear guest speaker Deborah Benchimol share her story about her experience with Judaism and finding herself. After her speech, participants prepared and shaped their dough and made each challah special topping them with sesame seeds, chocolate chips, cinnamon sugar, among other fun add-ons. It reminded the girls of the power of young women coming together with purpose.
In October, the seniors held a peaceful yoga night in order to celebrate Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan. This event was hosted by senior Ester Bazon, and featured guest speaker was Esther Sitbon, the founder of the organization Lehaalot, who shared the impact of her Jewish identity in finding her strengths. After that, the girls enjoyed a calming yoga session focused on mindfulness and finding balance. It was a night of peace and gentle bonding, and allowed the senior girls to experience rest amidst a busy semester. The third event was a creative, hands-on, and meaningful siddur party hosted by Hailey Hardoon. With guidance from the special guest, Leah Bahar from the Eve’s Gardeners podcast, the girls learned to appreciate the beauty of prayer and its ability to be personalized. As she taught, the senior girls decorated their siddurim with rhinestones, pearls, gems, colorful tape, and annotations. It became a night of learning mixed with art, and where they personally created and connected to their spirituality.
Each of these events has made senior year more meaningful and removed much of the burden from the tasks that come with school. Thanks to Dr. Barouk and the amazing women hosts, the girls are able to share moments of real connection and create memories, discover who they are, and grow into the women they hope to become.
