04 Sep BCHA Celebrates First Day of School
First days can often be filled with nervousness, worry, and dread – especially after a summer break. Those feelings were absent from the halls during the annual red carpet entrance, a tradition unique to BCHA. From high school seniors to those just beginning their academic journey, students were welcomed back with huge smiles and excitement that washed away any lingering nerves.
As the first day marched on, students found their way, locating classrooms, meeting new teachers, and getting acclimated to the place so many call home. Rabbi Jordan Soffer, BCHA’s newest head of school, made his first impression on BCHA’s upper school as he greeted students with an impromptu paper airplane activity, sending them into a flurry of laughter and flying paper. While the high school got its lively introduction to Rabbi Soffer, the afternoon brought a more formal welcome for BCHA’s lower school at the school’s annual first-day assembly.
During his first assembly, students and staff heard from Soffer on his vision for the year, one fueled by togetherness, learning, and purpose: “Am Echad bLev Echad,” as he said – one heart, one nation, one school.
Following Rabbi Soffer’s introduction, the school recognized its new students and staff members with an eruption of applause.
Rabbi Josh Rosenfeld, BCHA’s Rav Beit Sefer, then shared words of Torah with the students. As the new year begins, and as Rosh Hashanah is fast approaching, Rosenfeld wished the students blessings and continued success in this new year both at school and in life. He encouraged the student body to take pride in their work, their relationships, and their connection to the Torah.
As BCHA embarks on year 71, one thing is certain: they begin as they mean to go on, together as one.