As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, the faculty, staff, and students at the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central) are reflecting on gratitude – the people, places, and events for which they are most thankful this school year. At the top of the gratitude list: the faculty members who work tirelessly to guide and mentor Wildcats all year round and on all fronts, from the classroom to the court to the stage.
As the year progresses, students and faculty members are banking meaningful time together. Senior Michal Katz, who works with Judaic Studies faculty member and advisor Mrs. Yael Axelrod as a member of Central’s student government, said, “The faculty member I’m most thankful for is Mrs. Axelrod. Also, she makes the best potato kugel.” The gratitude stretches from student programming to the labs: “I am definitely grateful for my Chemistry class,” said sophomore Tehilla Mosheyev, referring to the class of Science Department faculty member Mrs. Miriam Chopp, whose legendary Chemistry course is a staple of sophomore year.
Students are also grateful for the wide variety of classes that cater to students’ diverse interests. Senior Neemi Bronstein is thankful for the poetry coverage in AP English with faculty member Ms. Kayla Whitaker, where “I learned the word ‘enjambment,’ and now I say it all the time, even when there’s no reason to,” she said. “Enjambment. Enjambment. It’s so fun!”
Students also expressed gratitude for the Judaic Studies department. Senior Lily Windholz expressed thankfulness for her Jewish History course, led by Judaic Studies faculty member Mrs. Yael Blum. “In Jewish History, we learned one opinion that said that B’nei Yisrael lost the Beis HaMikdash because they didn’t say Birkas HaTorah,” she said. “So now, when I daven and say the Birkas HaTorah, I’m especially grateful, and I really focus on what I’m saying.”
But the gratitude goes both ways: The faculty members, including Mrs. Blum, are just as grateful to spend time and share experiences with students. “This year, seeing some of my students make significant improvements in class has been a powerful reminder of how much we all have the capacity to grow and change, as long as we put in the effort,” Mrs. Blum said. “It’s a lesson that extends far beyond the classroom – one that reminds me that, no matter where we start, we all have the potential to improve and achieve great things when we care and invest in our own progress.”
Lastly, the school community expressed appreciation for the events that bring everyone together. Whether it’s the challah bake, Wildcat athletics events, a daytime chagigah, or everyone’s favorite – the annual schoolwide Shabbaton – these moments strengthen the bonds among students, staff, and families. The warmth is felt in every classroom: “I’m grateful to come to Central every day to get a good education that challenges me, but also makes me grow and feel happy,” said freshman Katie Pilarski.
The faculty agreed: “I’m thankful because my coworkers and students are amazing,” said English Department faculty member Ms. Chevi Friedman. “Working here is genuinely so fun and so meaningful.”
YUHSG would like to thank its incredible teachers, staff members, and, most of all, its brilliant, creative, energetic students, who are making the fall semester successful, productive, and fulfilling for all!
