Ever hear the phrase “Work hard, play hard”? Well, that’s what the student body of Yeshiva Sha’arei Zion High School for Girls did. With the end of the school year right around the corner, students took the opportunity to reflect on their accomplishments and set goals for finals week. You should have seen the atmosphere this past week at the high school. Students studied conscientiously for their exams and enjoyed fun Brain Breaks after each day’s final.
At the beginning of the week, Mrs. Rina Zerykier, menahelet, shared a beautiful thought with her talmidot. The esteemed educator compared the preparation for finals to the preparation for the ultimate final in the World to Come. The gemorah in Shabbat 31b addresses the idea that at the end of their lives, a person will be asked six questions regarding their actions over the span of their lifetime. Interestingly, one of the questions asked is, “Palpeles b’chachmah?” Did you engage in the pursuit of wisdom? Did you strive to differentiate between right and wrong? These thought-provoking quandaries reinforced our core values of cultivating an interest in lifelong learning, a healthy work ethic, and a culture of integrity.
“Learning doesn’t end when finals begin at Shaarei Zion. Instead of learning pesukim and mefarshim, students learn the art of teaching fellow students how to build resilience, and practice self-care during these intense weeks,” explained Morah Balakhaneh. “And what better way to self-care than with awesome Brain Breaks?”
Last Monday, the girls ended the last full school day of the year with an incredible kumzitz led by the one and only Nechama Eventsur. The girls sat in a circle and sang their hearts out fervently and b’achdut. Later in the week, students enjoyed a painting activity planned by the fabulous G.O. The girls had a chance to relax, take a break from their studying, and enjoy some good old fun.
