Gavi Lebson ’27
Berman students had a blast to the past on Nov. 5, going to ’80s-themed roller-skating.
The events began with an early dismissal from school in order to have time to go rollerblading, which came with no homework for that night! The students and chaperones piled into different buses for the ride to Wheels Skating Center, with the boys split in between two buses, and the girls split in between their own buses. Eitan Schwartz ’26, part of the High School Student council, noted that this activity was planned as a “high school bonding activity off campus.” Whether gliding around in style, mastering their balance, or laughing through a few tumbles, the rink was full of energy and music.
Schwartz observed that since “basically everyone can do [it],” it is the perfect getaway “outside of school” while also being able to let everyone have an amazing grade bonding time. Elliott Seltzer ’26 reflected on the experience, saying that “it really helped the unity of the high school, and I really enjoyed the kumzitz and the bonfire at the end.” Yonah Sushner ’28 also reflected on the event. “It was great, it was a really fun activity, and I got to bond with my friends and also people from other grades.”
Photo Credit: BZ Openden
As the night went on, the fun did not stop. Students returned back to school for a bonfire and kumzitz led by Rabbi Broder, which Schwartz commented “was the real bonding experience.” Everyone grabbed some marshmallows to roast and sang together.
Between songs, two students, Aviel Kahn ’26 and Sara Schoenfeld ’27, shared inspiring speeches, each reflecting on their own personal experiences in high school. Kahn shared an important lesson about “learning from your mistakes, [not to] sit there and feel bad about yourself, and use [your mistakes] to make yourself better,” while reflecting on his own challenges in life. He shared that everyone has the ability to change for the good “and there is no time like now to do so.”
Photo Credit: BZ OpendenHigh School students: Adiel Potok ‘25, Simcha Levitt ‘25, and Benjy Book ‘27 sing by a bonfire.
Schoenfeld talked about her personal journey when she transferred to Berman, and talked about everything she faced when she first stepped into the Berman halls. Her story was a “lesson in perseverance.” She shared that “just because something takes time and effort, doesn’t mean that it’s not worthwhile. In fact, I realized that usually the most important things take a lot of hard work.”
Overall, the students had a great time being able to take a break from all the studying and bond with each other, not just in their grade but in the entire Upper School, both at the rink and and the outstanding sing-along at the bonfire.
