On Tuesday morning, November 7, Shevach High School had an exciting morning with the initiation of their Mishmeres program. Under the guidance of Mishmeres coordinator Mrs. Bayla Tropper, a campaign was launched focusing on sh’miras ha’lashon and positive speech. With the recent tragedies in Eretz Yisrael, everyone understood that these trying times place an even greater importance on guarding our speech and treating others with respect and kindness, as a special z’chus for y’shuas Hashem.
To vividly portray this year’s theme, a transformed Multi-Purpose Room, decorated with flowers and ivy to resemble a garden, greeted the students. The walls conveyed messages comparing positive speech to nature, such as, “Allow yourself to grow,” “Treet your mouth with respect,” and “Plant your words with care.”
The program began with T’hilim led by Shevach Menaheles, Mrs. Shulamith Insel, who passionately spoke about the importance of this initiative. The students then heard an inspirational message from Rabbi Paysach Krohn, underscoring the sensitivity we must have when dealing with others.
This was followed by an eye-catching Mishmeres HaLashon video produced by the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation. Mishmeres Heads Bracha Lavian, Shayna Mendelson, and Leba Kayla Rothberg then introduced this year’s theme, “Guard’en Your Speech,” with an original song/dance that incorporated words depicting nature and gardens. This multi-faceted program clearly illustrated the importance of learning Sh’miras HaLashon.
The first Mishmeres initiative of the year was then introduced to the school. Students who learn a halachah a day for 16 days will receive a special incentive at the end of the month. The Mishmeres program will continue throughout the year, and through different initiatives, is hoping to create an awareness of the importance of choosing our words when speaking to others. Thank you to Shevach junior Shayna Mendelsohn for reporting on this special day.
