F. MORGANO
ON DECEMBER 12, SEVERAL YESHIVOT GATHERED AT TWO LOCATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE YACHAD 2022 PROGRAM. THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM WAS TO FOSTER UNITY, COMMUNITY, AND ONENESS THROUGHOUT THE VARIOUS YESHIVOT IN THE NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY AREAS.
Seventh grade boys and girls from nine different schools from New Jersey, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, and Long Island all attended the program. Magen David Yeshivah Elementary School hosted the girls, while the boys were hosted by Yeshivah of Flatbush at the Sephardic Community Center on Ocean Parkway.
The boys had four different schools participate in their program; Hillel, Barkai, Yeshivah of Flatbush, and Magen David. They listened to a speech about Hanukkah by Rabbi Tawil of Yeshivah of Flatbush, and Rabbi Knapp of Hillel gave a Dvar Torah. The boys were inspired to understand and embrace ahdut, unity. Next, they played an exciting game of Yachad Pyramid with questions about climate change, American history, and other topics led by Rabbi Wielgus of MDY. A game of basketball followed, and then everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch. Zack Dweck commented, “It was so cool to get together with students from other schools.” Rabbi David Sultan said, “It was nice to see how excited the boys were to see their friends and cousins from the other schools.”
The girls had a huge soiree in the gym at MDY. As each school entered the auditorium, they were greeted with high-energy cheering and warm hugs. It looked as if long-separated families were reuniting for the first time in many years. The principal of MDY, Rabbi Ezra Cohen-Saban, spoke to the girls about togetherness and caring for one another. Lizzy Mizrahi of MDY conducted a spelling bee with words based on the concept of yachad. Of course, the contest came down to long time rivals YOF and MDY, with Flatbush pulling out the final victory this time.
After a short speech about donating tzedaka to help underprivileged brides in Israel on their wedding day, by Mrs. Greenstein of Lev Rivka, the girls participated in a talent show. Another high-energy experience with dancing, singing, cheering, and just general mirth.
Mrs. Levy, a long-standing and respected 8th grade Hebrew teacher at MDY, commented, “It was nice to see the girls from the different schools so excited to be together. It was very special.”
“I loved hanging out with and meeting students from the other schools,” commented one 7th grader, who continued, “we were laughing the whole day! I hope we do it again soon.”
The program was sponsored by the Harari family in honor of their daughter, Randy. A Scroll of Honor noticed the efforts of three students: Rhonda Harari, Erin Shemia, and Gail Chabbott
Special acknowledgment to Ora Delbery, the dance teacher at MDY. She has been teaching Israeli dance to girls of all grade levels for many years. Her efforts in preparing and administering the dance program did not go unnoticed. Her dedication to the girls is quite humbling.
The goal of the program was to foster unity in the community and everyday life—mission accomplished! Now let’s grow the flames of unity.
Frank Morgano is a 6th & 8th grade ELA teacher and staff reporter for Magen David. He has been a teacher for over 23 years and enjoys reading, playing guitar, hockey and Korean sword fighting.
