Nature & Nurture

The first day of our end-of-the-year special programming was centered around the theme of balance—between natural growth and intentional effort—drawing from Rav Wolbe’s teaching of zeriah (planting) and binyan (building). It offered our students a meaningful opportunity to connect with themselves, each other, and the spiritual roots that guide our chinuch.

Our journey began with a thoughtful discussion led by Mrs. Berkowitz on Rav Wolbe’s concept of zeriah and binyan, the idea that while some aspects of growth happen organically, like a seed taking root, others require structure, planning, and intention. With this lens, we traveled to In Step with Horses, an equine therapy center in Chesterland, where students experienced firsthand how the natural world can be a partner in personal growth.

At the center, the girls learned how horses support emotional regulation and how watching them calmly navigate obstacles can serve as a mashal for working through our challenges. There was also time to groom and lead the horses, including two adorable miniature ones! A special thank you to Chana Dunoff (Class of ’24) and Tamar Samsonowitz for joining us as madrichos and adding their warmth to the day.

On our next day of programming, the focus shifted from nurturing our inner selves to nurturing our spiritual selves. We traveled to Yeshiva Lane, where we were warmly welcomed into the home of Mrs. Ferder, our beloved teacher and student advisor. There, we had the zechus to hear from Mrs. Chani Bodner, daughter of the Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Dovid Goldberg shlita, and granddaughter of Rav and Rebbetzin Ausband z”l. She shared powerful memories of growing up in a Torah-centered home, where chinuch, love, and values were modeled with authenticity and care.

While in this makom Torah, the girls completed the entire sefer Tehillim, dedicating their heartfelt tefillos on behalf of Klal Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael. Mrs. Ferder also shared personal reflections on raising a family in such a spiritually rich environment. We were joined by alumnae Chana Bloom (Class of ’25) and Shev Chafetz (Class of ’24), who chaperoned with our staff and added a beautiful continuity to the day.

The visit concluded with a deeply moving talk from Rabbi Dr. Yehoshua Hoffman, who became paralyzed from the neck down after a car accident 18 years ago. He shared how navigating adversity allowed him to uncover his soul and purpose, and his wife joined for a heartfelt Q&A, answering students’ honest and thoughtful questions about emunah in times of struggle. We were even given the rare privilege of seeing handwritten notes of Rebbetzin Chaya Ausband a”h, still treasured in the home they are renting. This moment held deep personal meaning for Mrs. Berkowitz, a devoted talmidah of the Rebbetzin.

This day was a powerful reminder of the ways growth takes shape—both organically and through purposeful nurturing. We are grateful for these moments of reflection and connection as we close the school year, carrying forward the lessons and strength gained into the summer and beyond.