Last week, the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central) resumed the semester after Sukkos. With the year’s theme, “Modeh Ani: Living with Gratitude,” and the YUHSG community’s efforts to recognize and appreciate goodness in the everyday in mind, Wildcats gathered on Wednesday to remember and reflect on the events of October 7. Each year since 2023, the YUHSG community has marked the day with learning and special programming, and this year’s programming was notable.
On October 7, the school followed a community-wide kumsitz with a visit from guest speaker Mrs. Rachel Goldberg-Polin, the mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin z”l. YUHSG’s Mashgiach Ruchani, Rabbi Joshua Goller, introduced the events. “Today, we heard from a real hero of the Jewish people,” he remarked. “Rachel Goldberg-Polin is a model of strength, resilience, hope, and faith. Her presence inspired us and ignited our neshamos. Nobody left the room today the same as when they entered.”
Mrs. Goldberg-Polin’s memoir, When We See You Again, was published by Penguin Random House in April 2026, at which point it became an instant New York Times bestseller. The memoir explores her experiences as her son, Hersh, then 23, was taken hostage at the 2023 Nova Music Festival. In conversation with seniors Camryn Brunner and Maya Goykadosh, Mrs. Goldberg-Polin discussed her special connection with Central, family life, and the loss of her son, highlighting the crucial nature of courage in the midst of tragedy and loss. YUHSG students and staff alike were completely absorbed in Mrs. Goldberg-Polin’s story, and her message of finding light in the darkness resonated with each person in the room. Each YUHSG student received a copy of When We See You Again. The YUHSG community is grateful to Mrs. Goldberg-Polin for her wit, warmth, and wisdom – as well as her generosity.
YUHSG will continue its gratitude initiative in the weeks to come, with a fall schedule filled with learning, meaning, and fun – all endeavors to appreciate. On Monday, October 12, YUHSG will open its doors to students, faculty, family, and friends for its annual Community Challah Bake. During the week of October 26, Wildcats will celebrate Shabbos Week, a week-long celebration of Shabbos marked by special events, learning, and embracing different aspects of t’filah. And on Sunday, November 1, YUHSG will welcome eighth graders and their families to the annual Open House, where prospective Wildcats will tour the Holliswood campus, meet current students and faculty members, and learn more about life and learning at YUHSG.
