Learning and Laughter: A Girl’s Guide to Self-Care

Our older girls’ program, Learning and Laughter: A Girl’s Guide to Self-Care, had a beautiful kickoff last week, with over ten girls joining. It was such a warm, lively start to what promises to be an inspiring year together.

We began with a fun “Find Someone Who…” game in the chat box. The girls had to find classmates who shared something in common, a Jewish birthday month, the same number of siblings, or even the same favorite Yom Tov. It was a wonderful icebreaker that helped everyone get to know each other a little better.

After the game, we introduced some of the exciting plans for the year, including chesed hours, raffles, and upcoming programs like our Melava Malka before Yud Tes Kislev.

Then came a meaningful learning segment led by Morah Chaya Plotkin, focusing on Rachel Imeinu, whose yahrzeit is on Yud Alef Cheshvan. The girls learned how Rachel Imeinu gave up her wedding so her sister could marry, and how she was buried along the road to Beis Lechem so she could cry for the Jewish people on their way to galus.

Morah Chaya helped the girls explore the powerful message Rachel Imeinu teaches us, that even small acts of care and compassion matter. When we support others, even by simply listening or being there for them, our efforts have great value in Hashem’s eyes.

From there, we connected Rachel Imeinu’s kindness to the idea of self-care, understanding that to truly care for others, we also need to care for ourselves. The girls went into breakout rooms to discuss practical ways to take care of their minds and bodies during the busy school year, like getting enough sleep, setting aside time for things they enjoy, and finding balance in their schedules.

To wrap up the session, the girls worked on beautiful self-care vision boards.

It was a wonderful blend of learning, laughter, and meaningful connection, the perfect start to a year of growth, friendship, and self-discovery.