With Adar in full swing and spring warmth just around the corner, the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central) transformed its campus into a hub of celebration for Shushan Purim 5786! Purim is always a highlight of the spring semester at YUHSG, and this year was no exception, with innovative costumes, spirited programming, and events making for a week of fun.
Leading the charge in costume highlights was the Class of 2026. These senior Wildcats approached their final Purim at YUHSG with enthusiasm and style, fully embracing the school’s annual “Dress Like a Teacher” day on Rosh Chodesh Adar by putting their own spin on faculty fashion.
The week marked one final celebration before the milestones of the later part of the semester, including YUHSG’s annual Senior Seminar, the senior internship program, and, of course, graduation.
Other highlights included a special program on Monday, March 2, Taanis Esther, featuring Mrs. Toba Shifrin, who gave a talk titled “Esther: A Role Model for Women.” Purim featured community gatherings far and wide, where Wildcats could stop in for fun, bonding, and mishloach manos.
In West Hempstead, YUHSG Principal Mrs. Aliza Gewirtz welcomed students at home, while in Woodmere, YUHSG Science Department Chair Mrs. Ruth Fried hosted local Wildcats, with Humanities Department faculty member Mrs. Saritte Wolkenstein hosting YUHSG’s Brooklyn students, and YUHSG’s Goldman-Reiss family welcoming YUHSG students in Great Neck.
And Shushan Purim, Wednesday, March 4, gave campus the atmosphere of a high-energy party. Events included Escape Shushan rooms, a chagigah with DJ Ephrat, and activities hosted by YUHSG G.O. Faculty departments once again joined in the costume fun with coordinated costumes, adopting the theme “E-Central (Essential) Workers.” Faculty and admin could be found dressed as essential workers of all stripes, from air traffic controllers to FBI agents to grammar police, and, in a few cases, staff dressed as their colleagues, highlighting how “essential” YUHSG staff are to one another.
Students showcased a wide range of costumes: from Barbie to Old McDonald with his farm in tow to the entire senior class dancing through classrooms as Minions from the film Despicable Me. But the day’s undisputed highlight: the annual Purim shpiel, a tradition blending humor, creativity, and affectionate parody that is beloved by students and teachers alike.
But the momentum doesn’t stop with Purim celebrations! The spring semester is in full swing at YUHSG, with a packed schedule to come. Another yearly highlight: the annual YUHSG Dinner of Tribute, which will take place on Saturday, March 7, at Great Neck Synagogue, followed by a new tradition, the 2026 Central Spotlight, which will take place on Sunday, March 15, at the Queensborough Performing Arts Center.
