Pesach Yom Iyun

Nishmas hosted a transformative Pesach Yom Iyun on our last day of school before break that offered a meaningful journey through the tapestry of Jewish history. Students were guided through seven specific time periods and explored the powerful transitions from moments of darkness and challenge to ultimate redemption and growth.

Students were divided into groups and discussed their points in history. Beginning with Yetzias Mitzrayim, which led to Kabbalas HaTorah. Students, followed by the destruction of Bayis Rishon and Sheni, which resulted in expanding the accessibility for Torah and connection through the creation of the siddur and the gemara. Other groups learned about how the Spanish Inquisition led to R’ Yosef Karo organizing the Shulchan Aruch, and the birth of both the Chassidish and Yeshiva movements in response to physical and spiritual threat and devastation. The last group explored how, out of the ashes of the Holocaust, we have rebuilt and begun to return to Eretz Yisrael. Rabbi Tenenbaum clarified the remarkable reality that every painful experience we have endured has brought us to go beyond surviving to thriving.

The Nishmas heads presented the last stop in our journey - the recent tragedies of October 7th and the current war with Iran, leaving us all to consider what beauty we ourselves can create. Students crafted artistic renditions of all discussed time periods that were both beautiful and meaningful, and their presentations showed incredible depth. Through this lens, they came to understand that our greatest struggles are often the very stepping stones that lead us to our highest moments.

Throughout the day, students engaged in thoughtful discussions, meaningful reflection, and immersive learning experiences. These activities encouraged them to see their own lives through this perspective, recognizing the potential for growth within challenge and the possibility of geulah in both personal and collective experiences.

We were privileged to be joined by guest speaker Rabbi Yossi Bensoussan, whose words resonated deeply with our students. Through his insight and warmth, he challenged them to think more deeply about their own journeys, their relationship with Hashem, and the opportunities they have to rise, even in difficult moments.

As we prepare for Pesach, this day left our students with a renewed sense of perspective, purpose, and inspiration, reminding us all that within every challenge lies the potential for redemption.