The theme of the program was the miracle of Jewish survival, with each grade representing one vital element. The freshman team, led by Leo Esses and Jennifer Anteby, represented avodah (work). The sophomore team, led by Yoni Hadar and Gloria Terzi, represented emunah (faith). The junior team, led by Leon Betesh and Rosie Mosseri, represented gevurah (strength), and the senior team, led by Jack Anteby and Rachel Tawil, represented mesorah (tradition).
Throughout the week, students presented special divrei Torah (Torah lessons) at all of the minyanim. The Thursday evening program began at the high school, where each team presented two short video films that they wrote, directed and acted inone serious and informative and the other humorous. This was followed by a challenging Torah Bowl competition hosted by Rabbi Joey Haber.
After Arbit students and staff proceeded to the former site of MDY Elementary School for a delicious and festive meal arranged by MDYs Mrs. Rochelle Beyda and Mr. David Shamah. The dinner was followed by a Cupcake War Competition directed by Ms. Stephanie Shamah. Each team displayed cupcakes they had baked, reflecting their theme. The cupcakes were judged on creativity, culinary artistry and of course, taste.
The heart and soul of the evening took place in the schools spacious gymnasium. The competition included singing, dancing and banner presentations. Each team was judged on originality, artistry and participation. Each grade presented three songs including one for which they provided original lyrics. The singing was enthusiastic, tuneful and heartfelt.
The melodious strains of the beautiful Hebrew and Jewish themed songs reverberated throughout the room and at times brought the onlookers to tears. It was uplifting to see the unity and religious feeling the students displayed. It is difficult to adequately express in words what the feeling in that gym was likethe sight and sound of hundreds of students singing so beautifully, speaking so eloquently and joining together in an unprecedented display of ahdut (unity) was so much beyond mere words. It touched the neshamah (soul) of everyone who had the privilege to witness it. The spirit was electric, and the room shook as students and staff swayed in time to the music.
The winners of the shiriyah were the 11th graders, Team Gevurah. Yet, everyone who participated went home victorious.
One student said, I can honestly say this was the greatest night of my entire high school career! It was amazing and so touching to see how close our school can really be. A faculty member said, I feel as if Im witnessing history in the making. I know the legacy of this shiriyah will continue to inspire students and staff for many years to come!
