Connecting with the world through chesed is central to life at the Yeshiva University High School for Girls. Over ten clubs dedicated to chesed exist at the school, and the month of December was designated as chesed month and dotted with volunteer trips and opportunities.
Wildcats love to help others, and that counts for former Wildcats, as well. In early January, a group of 25 YUHSG alumnae traveled to Israel on a Birthright Israel Free Spirit Chesed Mission that combined meaningful chesed, learning, and reconnection. “Seeing this mission come together was truly remarkable,” said YUHSG Associate Principal, Ms. Leah Moskovich, who traveled with the group. “Thank you to all alumnae who joined us, and thank you to Israel Free Spirit and Birthright for helping make this dream mission a reality for our Central community.”
Together, the group represented over four decades of YUHSG graduates, a powerful testament to the enduring bonds that make the school community special.
Throughout the trip, alumnae engaged in a range of hands-on chesed activities, including making tzitzis for soldiers, working in agricultural settings, rebuilding with a high school in the North, and lending their time and energy wherever help was most needed. The trip also included moments of learning and reflection. The group heard from commentator and educator Neil Lazarus on Israeli politics and society. One particularly meaningful experience was a somber visit to the site of the Nova Music Festival, where the group came together to reflect, remember, and stand in solidarity.
Alongside structured programming, the alumnae spent meaningful time bonding with one another. For many, the trip was a chance to reconnect with old friends or form new connections. The mission also served as a special reunion for members of the Class of 2025, who attended a shiur and dinner, featuring alumna Rabbanit Shani Taragin (‘91), and many Central faculty members.
The alumnae mission was a powerful reminder that YUHSG’s commitment to chesed, community, and connection extends far beyond students’ four years in high school. Thank you to YUHSG Principal, Mrs. Aliza Gewirtz, and Student Activities Coordinator, Mrs. Sydney Yaros, who helped to initially coordinate the trip, and to Associate Principal, Ms. Leah Moskovich, Freshman Grade Dean and Judaic Studies faculty member, Mrs. Karen Lavner, and Director of Religious Guidance and Judaic Studies faculty member, Mrs. Yael Axelrod, for accompanying the group on their travels. And the semester is just getting started: A full schedule of events, including YUHSG’s Annual Scholarship Dinner of Tribute, which is planned for Motza’ei Shabbos, March 7, 2026, is in the works.