We Have Something Really Special (Mar 2009)

by Rabbi Perry Tirschwell

Sometimes you need an outsider's perspective to help you realize what you have.

A few weeks ago, I told you about the various research studies in which WYHS is participating. The doctoral student conducting the study regarding religious purposefulness asked to meet for an hour or so with four staff members, to brainstorm how WYHS could be even more effective at the first half of its mission, "Inspire and Challenge".

I explained to him that he would have to meet with the entire Judaic staff and the entire student council. "Rabbi- I've been to six other yeshiva high schools, and we haven't done that. Why is it necessary?"

I explained to him that WYHS is different. WYHS' mission is a joint venture of its faculty, students and parents.

Since there isn't an hour during the entire week that the entire Judaic faculty is free, they met on this past Sunday night. The meeting went for two and a half hours, ending after 10.30pm. The teachers all taught the next morning, and received no special compensation for giving up part of their weekend.

The student council meeting the next evening was just as spirited. The students debated what underlying messages WYHS could address in order to inspire its students to be more purposeful in their religious beliefs and practices. They came up with some of the same issues as the faculty, and some additional issues.

We are privileged to have an unusually dedicated faculty and a very serious student leadership. Their dedication to the school knows no bounds. They view WYHS as a team effort.

We are a relatively young school that has many academic and extracurricular hopes and aspirations as we continue to grow. Our faculty and student culture will help us continue to keep reaching new heights and taking on new challenges.