Girls Celebrate Day of Talents

On Thursday, over 250 Online School Students, mothers, relatives, teachers and friends joined the Shluchim Online School’s annual Day of Celebration enjoying a reunion brunch.

The theme of the event, Shining Stars, focused on the students’ talent and abilities while highlighting how they are utilized on their individual Shluchos and how they ultimately shine and light up the world.

The Master of Ceremonies, Cheli Bigelman, a 6th grade student from Tucson, Arizona kicked off the program introducing herself by saying, “Usually one of the mothers are chosen to be MC. But this year they asked me to, because they say my talent is public speaking.”

Rabbi Moshe Shemtov, the Online School director, spoke about the students’ global effects on the world, and projected a feeling of strength and Chizuk to all the students.

The event continued with a sneak peek of a musical production from the 6th grade class. The audience watched amazed, as the girls acted scene after scene of ‘The Life of Rashi’, a production that was only practiced in their Online School classroom and in their homes. The girls practiced from their homes around the world, and girls sang in confident voices, and presented their Rashi musical.

Mrs. Chaya Rivkah Schmerling from Venice, Florida, inspired the crowd with stories and anecdotes demonstrating people using their individual talents to light up the world. She described how her daughters, 2 online school students, teach Hebrew reading to a man in their community every Shabbos -and they even give him homework. They are definitely using their talents as Shluchos.

As the guests enjoyed a delicious homemade lunch by Zelda’s Catering, they enjoyed seeing pictures of the shining stars’ talents around around the room and on the centerpieces. The student speaker, Mushka Korf from St. Petersburg, FL, gave over the message of shining stars with connecting it to the weekly Parsha. She explained the Mitzvah of lending and how Hashem lends us talents, so that we can use them to help other people and ultimately to light up the world. “Online school helps us bring out these talents whether it’s creativity, art or singing, to a pro with computers. Everyone is able to bring out their beautiful talents and work together to make something beautiful. With online school helping us bring out these talents we definitely use them on our Shlichus and to help bring Moshiach very soon.”

A beautiful video presentation was shown, created BY online school students and highlighting each grade and their various talents and abilities. To watch this presentation click here.

Mrs. Gitty Rosenfeld, the principal of the school, delivered an inspirational message to the students, defining a star on a deeper level and connecting it to their role is in the world- to keep shining and light up the world.

The students in the Online School use their talents in many different areas including creating a monthly newsletter. Devorah Block, a 7th grade student from San Antonio, Texas, spoke about the newsletter and the insight she gained from learning how each girl in her class has something unique to offer and add.

The event ended with Shaina Raskin from Vermont, Sarahle Vogel from Delaware, and Rochelle Namdar of Sweden, thanking the principal, Mrs. Gitty Rosenfeld as well as the teachers. The inspiring atmosphere was palpable and beautifully summed up by one of the Online School mothers, “The amazing feeling of sheves achim gam yachad was truly tangible and hartzig and heartwarming today. You could feel it and hold it. Thank you for all you offer to our most precious stars. Their shine is your reflection.”

Special thank you to those who helped organized coordinate and organize this event: Thank you to Rabbi Shemtov, Mrs. Rosenfeld, Rabbi Goodman, Berel Vogel, Toby Herman, Chanale Weisz, Asna Beenstock, Sheina Schochat, Mushkie Lipsker, the Online School 9th graders and the rest of the Shluchim Office staff and teachers.