We came into ninth grade with so much fear, yet so much excitement. Scared of fitting in,  taking difficult classes, finding the clubs or sport teams that were right for us, and buying new clothes to fit the dress code, of course. 

But we’re here now, four years later, not because we aced every test or assignment, but because of everything that happened in between. Freshman year was the first quarter when we began to craft our grade identity, filled with motivation and potential. 

Ninth grade started with our first retreat. We filled our overnight bags, stressed about the summer homework we had barely completed, and argued over who was going to kill the scary bug crawling near our beds (Thank you Talia for taking one for the team). We sang our hearts out during the karaoke competitions, trying to earn the best grade from Rabbi Chesler, and participated in the battle of the classes games and relay races that became insanely competitive. Although we may not have realized it, this was where we first started learning about friendship, connection, and trust. 

When we returned to school sophomore year, we kept these values in mind while also developing new ones. As Ms. Stanton explained that our midterm was going to be a trial on Lord of the Flies, the room filled with a mix of laughter and sighs. We spent weeks preparing: re-reading the book, building arguments, gathering quotes, and assigning roles. We walked in like a team of lawyers about to win a Supreme Court case, and then we got absolutely wrecked by questions we didn’t see coming, cross-examinations we hadn’t practiced, and characters we barely remembered. But somehow, we kept going. We improvised, we backed each other up, and we truly tried. In the end, that trial didn’t just teach us about a book, but it taught us how to think on our feet, how to work under pressure, and how to support each other when things don’t go as planned.

And for Junior year, if I’m going to be completely honest, much of it was a blur amidst studying for the SAT and ACT and beginning our college applications. But we helped each other through it. We sat in the stairwell during our free periods reviewing Samson’s master quizlets that got us through the rigorous curriculum of Schechter. We were each other’s shoulder to lean on during, what I can attest, was an extremely trying time. 

In Hebrew class, we spent years learning vocabulary, grammar rules, ancient and modern Hebrew, and everything about Israel and Israeli culture. We were able to flaunt our skills during our senior play, where Salach Shabbati and his family move to Israel from Morocco, and how they navigate this hardship. Nothing teaches fluency like Yael trying to deliver her dramatic lines in a pregnant belly costume, on stage, in front of the entire school, friends, and family, all while praying she doesn’t forget her cue. That was more than a Hebrew language class. That was public speaking, teamwork, and courage.

 This past month, we were immersed in Israeli culture from what I can confidently say was the most amazing trip of my life, which many of us are still jet lagged from. Being in Israel for three weeks taught me more about myself and our class than I could have imagined. We used the Hebrew skills we had practiced in class, not to complete a test, but to answer the many Israelis who came up to us asking if we were part of Taglit, and to bargain for a necklace for one less shekel at the shuk. We moved as a family on this trip. Our long bus rides with Dudu, Itzik’s “nature walks” that turned into hiking up a mountain for five hours, and late-night conversations while looking out over Jerusalem. Every moment, we experienced together. We also learned things no classroom could have taught us, like how to be flexible when things didn’t go as planned, and how to be each other's comfort in those scary moments when the sirens would go off. Visiting Hostage Square, Har Hertzel, and the site of the Nova festival were heartbreaking, but in our grief, we leaned on one another.

At the beginning of this year, I thought of all the upcoming milestones we had to look forward to: college acceptances, the gala, the senior play, Israel, prom, and graduation. Senior year, gone in a second. My fellow graduates, we have made lifelong friendships and memories, and we will remain in our Schechter community forever. Remember the pure sense of happiness and inspiration we felt as we looked up at the stars together at the Sand Dunes, singing songs while Sam played guitar, begging not to leave. We reflected on our accomplishments and declared our confidence in each other for the future. As we lay on top of each other with the stars as our only source of light and expressed our appreciation for each other, I was once again reassured that our parents made the right decision to send us to Schechter. 

We know we can count on each other whenever we need a shoulder to cry on or ears to listen. Together, we personify the power of community. Tomorrow, when high school becomes a thing of our past, we have to remember the importance of community as we meet new people at every stage of our lives. At Schechter, we saw the benefits of working together as a team. The more people, the more ideas, and the more opportunities. 

Before I finish, I want to take a moment to say thank you. To Denise: thank you for being the behind the scenes of it all and making sure everything works when no one else knows how. To Art and Mark: thank you for helping us navigate the college process with patience, humor, and honesty. You reminded us that our futures are bigger than any single decision and showed us how to move forward with confidence. To our teachers and faculty: thank you for pushing us, believing in us, and guiding us through more than just academics. To our parents, siblings, friends, and family: thank you for the unconditional love, encouragement, and occasional reality checks. Your support means more than I can say. To Ofra: thank you for leading with both strength and compassion, for always giving us tough love, for acting like a parent as well as a friend, and for always putting the students first. To my fellow classmates: you’ve been my teammates, my competition, my support system, and my friends. We’ve grown up together, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished. And to everyone else who stood by us, cheered us on, lifted us up, or simply reminded us we were capable: thank you. 

Now, we’re stepping into the next chapter. College, gap years, and adventures. But if high school taught us anything, it’s to not overlook the little moments: the detours, the messy group projects, the long bus rides, and the little conversations, because in the end, those moments aren’t just filler. They’re the story.

So, Class of 2025, let’s take what we’ve learned, not just the information, but the tools. Let’s keep noticing the moments that don’t seem like much until they become the ones we remember most. Thank you, and congratulations.

אח יא ראב, יא ראב
אח יא וול, יא וול
סוף כל סוף הגענו ארץ ישראל

In one of the first songs in our Hebrew play, Sallach Shabbati, Sallach and his family arrived in the land of Israel from Morocco. Even though they had been weary about this significant change for their family, nonetheless, the Shabbatis felt excited, joyous, and, relieved to finally be in the treasured land of Israel, that they had heard so much about for so long. The final line of those lyrics,

סוף כל סוף הגענו ארץ ישראל

 directly translates to, “We have finally arrived in the land of Israel.”

Roughly three weeks ago, when we walked outside Ben Gurion airport and saw the swaying palm trees, we felt the same inspiring feeling that Sallach Shabbati and his family expressed in our play - we felt that same adrenaline rush and excitement because together, “We had finally arrived in the land of Israel.”

Our grade excitedly waited for our senior Israel trip for as long as everyone could remember. At Schechter, we have been instilled with a deep love for Israel, our Jewish homeland. We have celebrated holidays in school, learned about Israel with the Shinshinim, who visited and spent time with us every year, and completed Israel-related projects, while embracing Israel through our Hebrew and Judaic Studies classes. Whether someone joined Schechter in lower, middle, or high school, everyone anticipated our three-week journey, and had looked forward to bonding and experiencing Israel as a group and being immersed in the culture.

On our trip, we were incredibly lucky enough to have had the opportunity to travel from the North of Israel in Metula, all the way down to Eilat in the South. Our stops in the North were especially meaningful as last year’s senior class was not permitted to visit those same places because of the ongoing war and safety concerns. We were also extremely fortunate to be able to celebrate Yom Yerushalayim and Shavuot in Israel. Yom Yerushalayam was a spiritual awakening, filled with excitement, passion, joy, dancing, and, eventually, sprained ankles (sorry Elinor). On Erev Yom Yerushalayim, we walked to the kotel, arriving with thousands of proud, Jewish people. Moreover, we were able to hold an Israeli flag that covered half of the kotel area. At this moment, we saw the different sects of Judaism uniting and felt truly welcomed by the entire Jewish community. Like you would rarely see us in tefillah, we were deep in prayer and even begged to stay at the event even longer. The next day, we also went to a Yom Yerushalayim parade, which was filled with Jews from all over the world celebrating the city with pride.

On Shavuot, seniors also got the opportunity to be involved in leading programming for our all-night learning. We studied the importance of leadership, reflected on being American Jews, learned about current hostages and the need to continue telling their stories, examined art as an expression of grief, and participated in Torah study. All of these lessons allowed our grade to reflect on the current situation in Israel and what we can do to help in any way. The last program about the hostages ended with us singing Acheinu, a song about brotherhood and a call for safety, that definitely gained meaning for everyone throughout the trip.

As a result of the October 7th attacks, our senior class had a few additional stops, not previously included on Schechter senior trips. We had the opportunity to visit Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, a public space that has been transformed into a constant, living vigil. There were posters of hostages everywhere - faces of babies, kids, parents, grandparents, and soldiers. Families and friends of hostages pray day and night for the safe returns of their loved ones. We had the opportunity to speak with Abi Ward and Noa Rogoszinski, classmates and close friends of Omer Neutra.

They shared their experiences moving to Israel, living there, and how being physically closer to Omer makes their connection feel even stronger. They shared with us heartfelt and funny stories that perfectly captured Omer’s unique humor, kindness, and vibrant spirit. Hearing these personal memories from the people who knew him best truly brought Omer’s story to life for all of us.

Later, we visited Har Herzl, where we were able to see the names and graves of the thousands of soldiers who perished fighting for our country. We had the chance to speak with Omer’s cousins and see his name engraved among Israel’s fallen. Omer, who had been a student at our school, chose to serve as a lone soldier. Seeing his name there was a powerful reminder of how close these stories are to us and how deeply they touch our community.

At his Schechter graduation, Omer was chosen to share a reflection on Israel. In his speech, he spoke about Har Herzl, calling it his favorite part of the trip, a place that clearly meant a lot to him. It’s hard not to feel the weight of it all, knowing that the very spot he treasured most during that senior trip is now where his name stands forever. This will serve as a constant reminder of how life can change so quickly, so we must enjoy and be present during every moment.

Throughout the three weeks, we kept that in mind, making sure to prioritize spending time with each other before we all part ways next year. One of our most memorable activities was at the Bedouin tents, where our counselors, Neta and Nitzan, organized a meaningful program. We were taken to the middle of the desert, only being able to see from the light of the moon and stars. There, we had time to reflect on our futures, relationships we have made at Schechter, and our time in Israel. After that, we took water bottles and put our flashlights beneath them to make lanterns. It was beautiful to see everyone’s lights, reminding us of how each person is so integral to making our grade “shine.” Moreover, during that activity, we had one-on-one conversations with members of the grade, and we really enjoyed getting to bond with everyone on a deeper level.

Shabbat was another amazing way for our grade to strengthen relationships. Each Friday night would begin with an outdoor kabbalat shabbat. There, we were able to overlook beautiful scenery in Israel, while also welcoming Shabbat and singing prayers that we have been doing together since elementary school. Nothing compares to being in Israel for Shabbat - You really feel a sense of calm in the country - a pause that most people never truly take.

Our senior Israel trip allowed our grade to flourish and bond in ways we could have never imagined. We were able to stand in the same places as our ancestors and connect with members of the Schechter community, feeling Jewish pride and togetherness each day.

We think that this experience will forever shape our entire class - in big ways and in small. After all, every moment paves the way for the future. Also, now, we can finally sing:

אח יא ראב, יא ראב
אח יא וול, יא וול
סוף כל סוף הגענו לעתיד שלנו

We have finally arrived at our futures.

Good evening, Class of 2025, faculty, parents, and guests. While my time at Schechter has taught me that I am definitely not a math person, I took it upon myself to figure out how many days we have spent together throughout these past 4 years. As a class of 2025, from freshman to senior year, we have spent roughly 710 school days together. In the amount of time we have been in high school, the Eiffel Tower was built. In our time together, the world invented the iPhone. In less than 700 days, great works like Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird were born. Don’t worry, English teachers, I got this information from reliable sources and can show you my work cited page after. In the same length of time that great architects, inventors, musicians, and writers have created some of the most impressive works society has seen, our grade was creating great bonds, memories, and a sense of family that nothing else can replicate.

Just like those monumental works, the journey to what we have built has not always been easy. We’ve seen each other through tests that felt like they had to be the hardest ones we’d ever take… until the next one came along. Together, we survived the very exhausting college application process. We pushed through weeks packed with exams, practices, rehearsals, and club meetings,  all while somehow staying (mostly) sane. As a grade, we have seen each other through some of our hardest times, but these times are what allowed us to appreciate the more fun ones. 

Through all of it, we showed up for each other. We went to each other’s events, like sports games or performances. We sang and danced our hearts out during retreat karaoke. Laughed endlessly in Salach rehearsals. We turned the school into ancient Egypt for our Ten Plagues senior prank, and that’s just scratching the surface. 

While what we created over these 710 days might not hang in the MET or change the course of world history, it is just as meaningful. Because what we have built is a family. It is the kind of connection that doesn’t end when we walk out of school every day at 3:30 or even when we are scattered all over different cities and campuses next year. This connection will last us a lifetime. 

Next year, everything is going to change. We won’t be walking in our familiar hallways, seeing the same familiar faces. For the first time in a long time, we’ll be in new places, surrounded by people who do not know us yet. People who didn’t grow up with us in the Schechter classrooms, or see each other bright and early at 7:40 AM for years. Leaving this Schechter bubble is both exciting and scary. Here, we have always had a safety net. No matter what the situation, there has always been a community of people ready to help us at a moment’s notice. We’ve been part of something that felt small in the best way: a place where we were seen, heard, supported, and loved. 

But if these 710 days have taught us anything, it is that we are ready. We are coming out of this bubble equipped with everything we need to go on and be the best possible version of ourselves. We have learned how to lead and how to listen. We have learned analytical and critical thinking skills. We have learned how to show up for each other and for ourselves. We have found our voices, and not just during karaoke. 

So, while we might be heading off to all different places, I know that we will each always carry a piece of Schechter with us in everything we do. Not only in the memories we cherish, but in the values, friendships, and confidence that, whatever is next, we can handle it. No matter where we are, together or apart, we will always be a part of this family. 

The people we have become today would not have been possible without those who have guided us through it all. 

To our teachers: thank you for your patience, wisdom, and endless commitment, even when we didn’t make it easy. Thank you for pushing us to think deeper, reminding us that our voices matter, and for teaching us lessons way beyond the classroom. Even if our complaining didn’t sound like it at the time, we truly appreciate and are endlessly grateful for everything you have done to help shape us into who we are today.

To the staff: Denise, Nurse Jen, Tom, Gary, and more, thank you for everything you do behind the scenes. Even though we were never in the classroom together, we have learned from you, too. Thank you for keeping us safe, making sure our days ran smoothly, and for always being a friendly face in the halls. Thank you all so much.

To Ofra: None of this would have been possible without you. Thank you for always being a strong guiding force for these past years in our lives. 

To our parents and families: Thank you for being our biggest supporters and advocates. For always pushing us to be strong and be the best we can be. Thank you for sending us to a place where we have been able to flourish. Thank you for the unconditional love you have given us every step of the way. Thank you for everything. There is no way any of us would be standing here in our caps and gowns without the work you have put in. 

Everyone here has shaped us into who we are today, not only as students but as people, and for that, we are forever grateful. 

So, to my fellow Class of 2025, thank you. Thank you for becoming like my brothers and my sisters. For making these past 710 days unforgettable. For being the reason that walking through those halls every day was never boring. As we step into whatever comes next, new schools, cities, people, and routines, don’t forget what we have built here. Don’t forget the inside jokes, late-night study sessions, hallway chaos, or the quiet support when someone needed it most. We are more than a class, we are a family. No matter where life takes us, we will always have this. These years, these memories, and each other. I cannot wait to see who we all become and what we achieve. I know it will be something incredible. 

Mazal tov, class of 2025, I love you all, we did it!