Mother-Daughter Event Features Baalat Teshuva Talking About Mitzvos
Shevach’s annual mother-daughter reception was held at the Young Israel of Hillcrest on Sunday May 27. In spite of the driving rain, a large crowd turned out and an inspirational and enjoyable morning was had by all.
Rebbetzin Rochelle Hirtz, principal of Shevach High School, welcomed the audience warmly. She then introduced Mrs. Rivka Herman, who spoke to the attendees about her journey from a secular upbringing to the Orthodox woman she is today. She took pride in her struggles, both large and small. The successes of those struggles were readily apparent. She spoke with poise, maturity, and insight. The students, in particular, were able to connect in a very real way.
Mrs. Herman’s parents raised her with no Jewish commitment to Torah and mitzvos. Although they were a warm and close family, she and her brother did not know what it meant to be Jewish. A small seed was planted when her father insisted that only kosher meat was allowed in their house, even though it was fine out of the house. This contradiction bothered young Rivka and was the catalyst for searching for meaning in Judaism and growth, both for Mrs. Herman and her brother. With poignant examples from her growing up years, Mrs. Herman gave over the strength she had in making choices along the way to keep mitzvos. Her parents, fortunately, accommodated her wishes, but it was not easy.
Today, she is married and living a frum life in Brooklyn, New York. “We often take our opportunities for granted,” Mrs. Herman pointed out, “but you girls are so lucky to have those opportunities given to you without the struggle.” She expressed gratitude to all those who inspired her along the way, including Rebbitzen Yael Marcus, a Shevach parent who was sitting in the audience. We never know what influence we have on others, or what affect others have on us.
Students and mothers left proud, inspired, and grateful for who we are and what we stand for.
Shevach Students Prepare For The Future With Financial Literacy Course
The buzz in the hallways of Shevach High School is about the financial literacy mini-course that was introduced this year for 11th graders. Taught by Assistant Principal Mrs. Miriam Krohn, the course prepared its students for the world of personal finances. Students learned about managing their money wisely, both as students, and for their future roles as women running a household and /or in the workforce.
Included in the lessons were such topics as checking and savings accounts, investments, insurance, and taxes. The Shevach girls learned the power—and risks—of credit, debit, and ATM cards. They learned how to budget, making room for items such as shopping and tzedakah, while setting aside for savings. The students were given a sense of what lies ahead for them as they graduate and enter the next stages of their lives.
Students were taught about overdraft privileges, bounced checks, money market accounts, social security deductions, student loans, and mortgages. Mrs. Krohn made a clear delineation between what one wants and what one needs. Using a pie chart to teach budgeting, she showed the girls that some expenses are unavoidable. Others are occasional and still others are frivolous. And then, of course, there are always the expenses from left field. Think mechanic and dentist. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a rainy day envelope for that?
As an added bonus, Gregory Binkiewicz, CPA, a practicing accountant, addressed the students on the topic of insurance, taxes, and money scams. Questions and answers were flying back and forth as the girls were challenged to rethink ideas that they previously had, and to realize that the money world is a complicated place that requires navigation.
Students left feeling more knowledgeable, prepared, and empowered. Seeing how popular and important this course was, it will be incorporated into Shevach’s curriculum.