Ma Hadash? What's New At Barrack

Dear Barrack Families,

This year, our school community is focused on the theme of הבנה (havana)—understanding—cultivating a community that listens to one another and is grounded in the core values of empathy and respect.

Our first edition of Ma Hadash considered the many ways Barrack students are encouraged to listen to others as a way to understand the world around them. Here, we explore how Barrack helps our students develop a sense of self and discern who they wish to be when they go out into the world. Through a deep connection to their Jewish identity; meaningful leadership opportunities in diverse co-curriculars; rigorous, individualized academics; and a community of peers and mentors who embrace each student for who they are and encourage them to become the best version of themselves, Barrack students graduate not only with critical skills and core values, but a sense of confidence and strength of self that allows them to be change-makers within their communities.

This past trimester alone, our students competed—and succeeded—in an impressive array of regional, state, and national competitions, from Model UN to Mock Trial to DECA to TEAM+S, applying honed skills in real world settings.

They went out into our surrounding communities to make a difference and give back through hesed (community service/kindness) projects at non-profit organizations such as Share Food Warehouse and Cradles to Crayons, visited local senior centers to bring joy to our elders, recorded the stories of Holocaust survivors, raised funds to support IDF soldiers and sent letters of support and condolence to our brothers and sisters in Israel, fostered friendships with young adults with disabilities, and nurtured a sense of service and selflessness that is a critical complement to all they can offer.

Our students participated with passion, attention, and enthusiasm in future-focused programs like SciCon and Career Day, designed to give them perspective and insight into the paths that lie ahead, as well as powerful networking opportunities with professionals in a vast variety of fields.

At every step, our students are surrounded by a close-knit community of friends and faculty who understand who they are and what they can accomplish. When young adults see their best selves reflected in the community that surrounds them, they feel emboldened to go out and do their best in the world.

In the pages that follow, I am pleased to share a sampling of the many ways our students have deepened their understanding of the skilled, compassionate, knowledgeable, kind, and driven young people they are and how they will undoubtedly make a difference in the world of Barrack and beyond.

L'Shalom,

 
Rabbi Marshall Lesack ‘97