By Sara Greenberg
…And they’re off! Schechter’s seniors have officially begun their exciting yet meaningful journey on Lev V’Nefesh, but not before a Senior Send-Off ceremony. Parents, students, faculty and, of course, the seniors met in Schechter’s High School Gym on Wednesday afternoon to wish the seniors a nesiah tovah (good trip).
The ceremony began with words from Head of School Dr. Michael Kay, followed by outgoing Student Body President Aiden Golub’s final speech of his term. Incoming Student Body President and Vice President, Daniel Lampert and Lior Ben-David, then delivered the first speech of their terms.
Senior Eliza Loewenberg then addressed the assembly with her senior Drasha, an interpretation of the parsha with a personal reflection, relating to the traveler’s prayer. Schechter Westchester’s high school choir also made a performance at the event, accompanied by the high school band.
Towards the middle of the ceremony, all of the seniors arranged themselves in a line facing the bleachers. Seniors Sophia Wolk and Ethan Friedman recited Tefilat HaDerech, a prayer for travelers, wishing safe travels upon their peers. A representative from the class of 2019 then collected farewell cards from their ‘grandbuddy class’, the Class of 2029, as a second-grader read a heartwarming card aloud.
In his speech, High School Principal Eric Bassin mentioned that those who are most likely to miss the seniors are, in fact, their siblings. With that, he invited all siblings of traveling seniors to join them on the Gym floor to enjoy their last few moments before departure and to sing Hatikva.
Finally, family and friends of the seniors were given time at the end to bid them goodbye. The room was filled with emotion, excitement, and lots of hugs.
The Schechter community will certainly miss the seniors on their trip, but we wish them a meaningful and enjoyable experience on Lev V’Nefesh!
