As the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central) embarks on a new academic year, it will embrace a new theme: that of “Cultivating Courage.” “This year, we aim to empower all members of the Central community to face challenges with bravery, stand up for what is right, and support one another as we grow together – to cultivate an environment where courage thrives, and where every student feels empowered to be their best self,” said Associate Principal Ms. Leah Moskovich.
“Courage is not just grand acts of heroism. It’s also the quiet strength to be true to ourselves, to ask for help when needed, and to extend kindness to others.”
As the Central community kicks off the month of Elul, a time of reflection in preparation for the chagim, students and faculty will focus on courage from nine different perspectives: the courage to pause, confront, change, grow, persevere, shine, accept, commit, and unmask. These perspectives were showcased this past week, as three different guest speakers visited the Central community.
On Monday, September 9, Dr. Yael Ziegler, a senior lecturer in Tanakh at Herzog College and Matan Women’s Institute for Torah Studies, addressed the topic with Central’s senior class in her lecture, “Chanah: The Courage to Pray in a Time of Crisis.”
On Wednesday, September 11, guest speaker Mrs. Nomi Levy shared her journey converting to Judaism and her life in Israel in “From Korea to Yerushalayim: The Courage to Choose Yiddishkeit.”
And on Friday, September 13, Mrs. Ann Koffsky, parent of 2022 Central graduate Adira Koffsky a”h, presented her new book, Ping Pong Shabbat: The Story of Champion Estee Ackerman. Published by Little Bee Books earlier this year, Ping Pong Shabbat is inspired by the true story of Central alumna Ms. Estee Ackerman (’19), a world table tennis champion who declined to try out for the Olympics because the trials took place on Shabbos. Mrs. Koffsky, whose daughter Adira was the inspiration behind Central’s Adira Rose Koffsky Humanities Program, was joined by Estee in presenting Ping Pong Shabbat: The Courage to Stay True to Myself.
These longtime members of the Central family demonstrated that courage can take many forms – a worthy way for students to begin a year filled with athletics tryouts, musical auditions, and the exciting challenge of new classes.
Upcoming events include Back to School Night for Central families on Monday, September 16, Club Fair on Wednesday, September 18, and of course, Central’s annual schoolwide Shabbaton, “The Courage to Crown,” which will take place at Camp Kaylie.
