MICHELLE OLVEIRA
THE YESHIVAH OF FLATBUSH JOEL BRAVERMAN HIGH SCHOOL (JBHS) WELCOMED 70 SOPHOMORE STUDENTS FROM THE ESCOLA BEIT YAACOV OF SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL THE WEEK OF MARCH 13TH. AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF PLANNING THAT STARTED BEFORE THE PANDEMIC, THE STUDENTS FINALLY ARRIVED TO A WARM WELCOME FROM JBHS STUDENTS AND STAFF.
The Beit Yaacov School had been researching yeshivot in America that were similar to its own and reached out to JBHS Head of School Rabbi Joseph Beyda, who graciously invited the school to come and tour the campus and spend time with Flatbush students. The Brazilian students were accompanied by Escola Beit Yaacov’s Head of School Gracia Klein, Rabbi Binyamin Karaguilla, Rabbi Toive Weitman, Jewish Studies Director Chani Begun and several faculty members.
“What brings us together is the fact that we are Jews — something so beautiful that we will experience together over the next few days,” said JBHS Assistant Principal Rabbi David Galpert.
On the first day of the students’ three-day visit, the Brazilian students and select JBHS students were invited into the Khezrie Auditorium to watch a slide show from each school. JBHS freshman Emily Tarrab shared a speech describing “a day in the life” of a Flatbush student, and Gabriel from the Escola Beit Yaacov described his school. The Brazilian school is a 1,000-student institution, where students speak Portuguese, Hebrew and English. Most of the students possessed a firm mastery of English and were able to speak and mingle with JBHS students and teachers effortlessly.
Following the assembly, students were dispersed into different classes where they participated in icebreaker activities including rounds of speed-dating-like questions, where the students changed seats every few minutes. Afterwards, both Brazilian and Flatbush students helped prepare food for the Sephardic Bikur Holim food pantry during a JBHS Cooking for a Cause event, dedicated in honor of Marlene and Steven R. Shamah. Next, students took part in an inspirational program led by JBHS Dean of Students Rabbi Naftali Besser, and had fun singing and dancing before enjoying a beautiful dinner.
The next morning, a group of JBHS students and staff accompanied their Brazilian guests for a day of hesed in New Jersey, as they spent the afternoon at the Special Children’s Center. They got a surprise concert from singer Yaakov Shwekey. The day ended with a New Jersey Devils hockey game where the Brazilian students cheered for the home team alongside JBHS students.
“Our students expanded their borders by making new friends from a country they previously knew little about. We are already looking forward to growing the program for next year,” expressed Rabbi Beyda. Many of the students exchanged contact information so they could stay connected.
On the third day of their visit, the Brazilian students were offered a taste of what learning at JBHS is like. Small groups of the visiting students were placed in classrooms across the school as they were invited to participate in discussions and share their own ideas about many of the lessons. A few JBHS students who speak fluent Portuguese were happy to translate some concepts to their guests. In one of the math classes, both sets of students were pleased to find they all could practice the quadratic formula together. In a Judaic Studies class, students discussed the difference between borrowing without permission and stealing and the nuances involved in deciphering the two.
On their final afternoon, the Brazilian students heard a meaningful shiur from JBHS Rosh Bet Midrash Rabbi Avi Harari about the weekly parashah, and were presented with their own Kol Yaakov siddur. They were happy to learn that there is an everlasting welcome to return to Flatbush on any future New York City trip they might take.
“What we gained most from this trip was the value of hachnasat orchim (hospitality for guests). We were treated well far beyond our expectations — and we had high expectations!” shared Ms. Begun.
Thank you to Rabbi Beyda, Rabbi Galpert and Student Experience Coordinator Esther Spigel for arranging the program and to YOF Board member Jack Mann for helping to make the initial connection.
Michelle Olveira is a Communications Specialist at Yeshivah of Flatbush.
