As Shavuos is approaching with the speed of light I can’t stop thinking how fast the last three years have gone by. I was listening to a shiur on-line before Pesach, and Rabbi Katzenstein mentioned how different we view life from the rest of the people. He stated that life is viewed as a straight line: A person goes to school, gets a job, gets married, has children, and saves for retirement, always focused on one goal at the time. We Jews live our lives in cycles, always rejuvenating and starting anew, sometimes living in many consecutive cycles. Proof of this is Pesach, a chag that ends winter and brings spring to full swing, while it initiates the Omer that takes us straight to Matan Torah,chag Hakatzir.

For me, a series of cycles are going through my mind. I can’t get over the fact that three years went by so quickly and Bina will be completing its own cycle with the first graduating class. This wonderful class of Bnos Yisroel pioneers have become part of the Norfolk community, and with mixed feelings of joy, accomplishment, excitement, and sadness of leaving, they are about to initiate a new cycle in their lives.

In her book, Hillary Clinton used the saying “it takes a village to raise a child” which according to some, originated from a Nigerian proverb while others attribute it to a book of Native American proverbs; ultimately, it became a cliché, but I can’t think of a better description of what the Norfolk community and Bina has done for our out-of-town girls.

As the school is coming to an end I want to be Makir Tov to the Heibishter and at the same time acknowledge the hard work, dedication, mesiras nefesh, love, and community involvement of Norfolk.

I thank Hashem for guiding us in the right path as we selected Norfolk as the ideal place for Aviva. I thank my daughter-in-law, Pirchie and my friend Leah Averick who suggested Bina as a potential school for Aviva. I also want to thank Mrs. Shifrin, Mrs. Werther, and Ms Linda Peck for welcoming Aviva into their school and the Horowitzs into their home. There are no words to thank enough the tireless Menaheles, Aviva Harpaz, the Board of Directors, teachers, and the rest of the staff for making Bina an institution of excellence in learning, both in Jewish and secular studies without forgetting the fact that teenagers need to have fun too. Thank you Rabbi Silver for inspiring the girls to want to come to shul and participate in community projects; thank you each and everyone who was “part of the village that helped raise these wonderful girls”; and thank you Jeff, Amy, Chana, Michael, Isaac, Mr. and Mrs. Zukerman, and Mr. and Mrs. Brooke, for making room for Aviva in your home, your life, and your family.

For us, another cycle is closing; my husband left Virginia forty years ago with the same mixed emotions of sadness and excitement as Aviva is about to take with her, so no doubt, she will be back; Norfolk is her second home. Norfolk is not a village, it is a great town.

Finally, I want to thank Aviva for being who she is. With her bubbly and friendly personality, refreshing as spring she fitted perfectly in this warm southern town. Judging this cycle as it comes to an end I can only say, we sent Aviva away as a precious stone and we got back a polished shining gem.

Raffle tickets

DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $1,000!

BINA High School raffle drawing is this Thursday, April 15.

FIRST PRIZE $1,000 SECOND PRIZE $500

Contact our office at 627-2462, email us or find a BINA Student.

LAST CHANCE TO WIN!  DON’T MISS OUT!!

The BINA Blazers are forging new trails. Coached by math and science teacher Mrs. Carole Allen, our girls have learned to shed their quiet, reserved personalities so that the minute they step on the court they are quick and aggressive.  While senior Miriam Abrams is normally a funny, sweet girl, on the court she is, as Avigayil Mostofsky describes, “a lion protecting her cubs.  She crawls, jumps, runs, rolls, and yells like a true fighter.”  Similarly, Gila, generally studious and subdued, in uniform becomes aggressive, tough, and relentless.  To read more go to News and read the latest BINA Buzz.

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September 1, 2010 – First Day of School

September 6, 2010 – Labor Day – No School

BINA High School is Norfolk, Virginia’s one and only orthodox high school for young women.

We are currently accepting applications for the 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th graders for the  2009-2010 school year.

Here at the new binahighschool.com, you will find all of the information you need about BINA. You can download any necessary forms and permissions, the latest BINA Buzz newsletter, contact teachers and staff, keep track of school holidays, resources for parents, and stay informed about all school events, news and announcements.