Yeshiva Har Torah’s Parent-Teacher Association hosts an opening event every year, extending a warm welcome to new families and fostering a sense of unity within the school community. This year, the committee pivoted the program and invited parents, grandparents and teachers for an evening of solidarity in the wake of the tragedies that began in Israel over Shemini Atzeret.
During these trying times, the Yeshiva of Central Queens family is doing their best to help their brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisrael. Students and staff have been working on strengthening their connection with Hashem and fellow Jews, by davening with more kavanah and providing support to chayalim and all Israelis in need.
HALB teachers Rabbi Steinberg, Rabbi Werner and Morah Wieder have opened their classrooms up to students in Modiin. This week, one mother joined the zoom to thank Rabbi Werner, HALB, and the students for having her son join every day. She said, “it strengthens us a lot... and it makes us feel so so loved”. Rabbi Werner responded saying “It’s us, we feel the hakarat hatov. Gavriel, you are no different than a Maccabee. You’re staying strong learning Torah.”
In light of the situation in Eretz Yisrael, Yeshiva Sha’arei Zion has been organizing special prayer gatherings with the younger children and speaking with the middle school children about the current situation. To express their gratitude and offer chizuk, every grade in both divisions wrote a personal letter to a soldier, which they learned and saw proof of how much it means to those on the frontlines. The older girls raised funds, purchased supplies, and packed them to be transported to Israel for the direct benefit of soldiers.
This past Sunday MTA welcomed parents and relatives of their freshmen, along with the freshman talmidim to a special breakfast. This event is usually a fun, light event that helps the new high schoolers bond with their classmates, and gives the opportunity for parents to meet as well.