By Mrs. Ora Lee Kanner, Associate Principal

There was once a time when you either fit into the mold of a "seminary girl' or you did not go to learn for a year in Israel. Those times have, and continue to, dramatically change. Each year brings with it the creation of new seminaries, some attempting to duplicate and improve upon existing ones, but others focusing on developing programs that cater to the needs and fulfill the diverse interests of all types of girls.

Within the past three years, programs have been created for those girls who, in addition to learning in a Torah observant seminary, would prefer to spend part of their day engaged in other dynamics. Many of these programs are part of established, well reputed, accredited institutions in Israel such as Machon Lev and the Bezalel School of Art. A seminary exists for those who are talented and interested in spending part of their day studying art or music, for those who would like to do an internship working in a chosen field in Israel, for those who would like to begin their secular college classes while in seminary, and a program for those who would like to engage more intensely in chesed.

Even within the "traditional" seminaries where the girls spend their days learning, there are a multitude of differences, some blatant and others more nuanced. The more conspicuous differences are what areas of learning are stressed (Tanach, Gemarah, Halacha, Hashkafa, or philosophy), and how much time of that learning is teacher based or "B'chevruta", as well as the skill level of the girls. The more subtle distinctions are the emphasis (as all schools do contain elements of all the following) on textual skills, inspiration, religious Zionism, and character building, as well as the intensity and rigor of the program, not necessarily apparent from the written schedule.

My visit to Israel hopping from one seminary to another affords me the opportunity to see and perceive these differences along with getting a glimpse of the physical set up of the dorms and the school buildings, (not an insignificant factor) so that I can be of utmost assistance in helping the senior girls choose the seminary that best suits them.

By Daniella Greer ('09)

This past Wednesday, two very special WYHS alumni, Avi Amselem ('04) and Perel Hande ('03), spoke to the students via videoconference about their involvement with The Gift of Life foundation. Both Avi and Perel spoke to us about how they were tested during a Gift Of Life drive, and subsequently received phone calls informing them that they were potential bone marrow donors. Almost immediately, both Avi and Perel donated their bone marrow, thereby saving two strangers' lives. I was more then honored to speak to Avi and Perel about their experience and what the Gift of Life taught them.

When you found out you were a match for someone with Leukemia, what thoughts went thorough your mind?

He Said: I knew this was a rare opportunity and something that I wanted to do. Of course, I understood this wasn't going to be such an easy process, but I felt very strongly about going through it. I felt extremely privileged that I was a match and had the opportunity to save another persons life.

She Said: My initial reaction was hoping that they would find another donor before I had to make the commitment to go through with the procedure. I went back and forth in my mind weighing the pro's and con's until I came to the conclusion that this was something I had to do. It was just a matter of needing to get over my hesitations and fears, and realizing that this was about more than my discomfort; it was about another person's life.

He Said: Definitely! It enabled me to experience first hand the power one person can have on another person's life.

She Said: If nothing else, this experience taught me that sometimes we are given opportunities to make the most of our health and blessings. Such decisions might not be easy to make, however, life is essentially about maximizing our potential to the fullest through giving.

He said: Absolutely. WYHS instilled in me the morals and ethics required to make this extremely important decision.

She Said: Definitely! WYHS has imbued within me a sense of responsibility to the community that goes far beyond the friends and neighbors that I see in my every day life. I learned about the importance of helping any Jew, even those who I don't know.

He Said: Now that you have heard about what this process entails, I feel that it is your obligation to teach it to others. Nowadays, technology has changed the procedure, and donating has become much easier. The more you educate others, the greater the chance is for a Jew that is suffering with a blood- disorder to be saved.

She Said: While this was a huge decision for me (and an uncomfortable undertaking!), please know that everyone has their own strengths, abilities and contributions that are as unique to them as their own fingerprint. At the end of the day, no act of chesed is too small. Yes, if a person has the opportunity to donate bone marrow and potentially save a life, I encourage it 100% - but please don't underestimate the impact of what may seem to be the tiniest act of Chesed! We have no concept of the impact any action could have on others and the world at large.