By Emma Zelmanovich
HAFTR High School recently held the highly anticipated 2025 Senior Shabbaton. This event is designed for the senior class to come together along with their beloved rebbeim and morot, and spend quality time together in the warm, meaningful, and spiritual atmosphere that Shabbos brings.
After the conclusion of classes on Friday, February 21, seniors returned home, or to the homes of their friends, to prepare for the event. At 5:00 p.m., seniors gathered at the high school to take pre-Shabbos pictures with their friends, preserving these cherished memories for years to come. Once Shabbat arrived, seniors and faculty joined together in the beit midrash for a beautiful davening of Minchah, Kabbalat Shabbat, and Ma’ariv. As we all gathered together in one space it created a feeling like no other. I have never been happier and prouder to be part of this senior class, and a student at HAFTR. Everyone stood together singing and davening to Hashem, which not only made me proud to be a HAFTR senior, but also made me feel lucky to be a Jew, especially in times like the present. After an inspiring speech by one of our beloved faculty members, Ms. Ilona Diamond, everyone made their way to the gym where we enjoyed a delicious Seudat Shabbat. During the meal, Rabbi Slochowsky gave a speech leaving us laughing and remembering so many moments over the past few years. Following his words, we joined in a ruach-filled tisch and enjoyed tasty desserts. We ended off the night with an entertaining game, showing how everyone in the class had something in common, often things no one realized before. This bonding was incredibly special, and gave us a chance to create a stronger sense of unity before we all embark on our own journeys and go our separate ways.
On Shabbos day, everyone regathered together for another a beautiful davening. Once daveningconcluded, there was an amazing Kiddush with every pastry you could imagine. Rugalech, Kokosh, and Babkah, oh my! Then, everyone participated in a schmooze with their rebbeim and morot before the incredibly delicious Shabbos meal. Lastly, the seniors joined in one last game before heading home. This game was different from the first one because it was bittersweet. It felt like one last chance to act like kids together before we all grow up and face the real world.
Experiencing this Shabbaton firsthand was like nothing I have ever experienced. The warmth and the sense of community I felt is something I will cherish forever. There was something unique about spending a Shabbos with all of the people that I have been surrounded by my entire life. Realizing that this was one of the very last times we would all be together in the same place at the same time, experiencing the same things, was incredibly touching. The anticipation and then preparation for this Shabbaton filled me with excitement and felt so invigorating. Now I am filled with a mix of nostalgia and gratitude when I say that I will never forget my first HAFTR senior Shabbaton, being that it was also my last.
Color War 2025: Where Ruach and Achdut Shine!
By: Lindsay Appel, Senior
{Caption HAFTR Color War 2025
It has been an unforgettable few days at HAFTR High School! From an incredible Pink Day fundraiser to a high-energy pep rally and an epic color war break out, the excitement, the ruach, and the achdut were truly electrifying.
Color War 2025, held on Tu B’Shevat 5785, marked a historic first, as the annual event, which often makes a surprise appearance near Chanukah, took place on this special New Year of the trees. The competition featured two vibrant teams: Blue, named Oil and Honey, symbolizing sweetness and elevation, and Red, named Wheat and Barley, representing reliability and daily commitment. On Thursday, February 13, students competed in a variety of games, such as knee hockey, Project Runway, Minute to Win It, See-Run-Build, and even Human Battleship! The teams also had time to practice their songs and cheers, building spirit and camaraderie. Teachers joined in the fun, adding to the excitement.
The action continued into Thursday night with intense sports games, including basketball and hockey, followed by mini-games. Friday featured the final preparations for the Grand Finale. Before the finale, everyone participated in the much anticipated Amazing Race, where students of all grades raced to deliver their batons, completing challenges across the school. Challenges included bobbing for apples, tightrope walking, gift-giving, and HAWK-inspired running to name a few! After the race and one last team meeting, it was time for the Grand Finale! Both teams showcased their creativity through performances, artwork, videos, and even a Stomp routine. After a well-deserved 10-minute pizza break, the energy peaked as the seniors gathered together to sing their farewell grade song. Dr. Wyner finally announced the winner… with a nail-bitingly close score, the Blue Team emerged victorious, claiming the title of Color War 2025 champions.
The entire school, students and teachers like, enjoyed this memorable and fun-filled event thanks to the hard work, organization, and meticulous planning of Mrs. Alyssa Schechter, Director of Student Life, and Ms. Ilona Diamond, Director of Programming and Media, as well as the overwhelming participation of the faculty and student body! With the end of another color war, we look forward to the rest of the semester and the memories we have yet to make.
