Ohr Torah Stone | Features | Newsletter Spring 2002

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NEWSLETTER SPRING 2002

LIGHTS, CAMERA, SHAVEI RACHEL!

A film about a political activist has brought the Shavei Rachel High School for Girls into the Israeli spotlight. "Nadia-Between the Stickers," a look at the challenges faced by Women in Green leader Nadia Matar as she juggles her public and family responsibilities, was produced and directed by five 12th graders at the arts and communications high school, earning them entry into the national film competition for religious high schools - along with a perfect grade of 100 on the matriculation exam in communications.

"The media plays a vital role in our society today, but the values of the media often contrast sharply with Torah values," says Shavei Rachel principal Rabbi Danny Epstein. "Instead of running away from that confrontation, we are training young people whose firm commitment to Torah can make an impact on the direction, nature and content of the media."

Shavei Rachel students learn
secrets of the trade through a
makeup workshop

The school, under the auspices of OTS's Ann Belsky Moranis School of Arts, organized its first seminar in January, for 11th and 12th graders majoring in art, film and drama. The two-day, multi-track program, which focused on film, theater and visual arts, included workshops with top professionals in script writing, lighting for theater and film, stage design, makeup and filming techniques. Students also participated in a tour of Israel National Radio, where they had a hands-on tutorial with radio newscaster Beni Teitelbaum, who also focused on the challenges faced by a religious individual in the media.

"It was important and inspirational to have real professionals teach us in the workshops," relates student Liran Bash of Tekoa. Alona Sefer of Efrat agrees: "They're working in the field righ now, so they could give us a good picture of what's happening today in the creative and performing arts." Both girls praise the seminar for adding flavor and fun to the curriculum for art majors. "We learned so much in a relaxed and exciting way," they enthuse.

With academic studies on multiple levels, Shavei Rachel is dedicated to helping all students fulfill their potential. "We believe that every young woman who possesses religious commitment and a keen desire to learn can succeed," Rabbi Epstein stresses. State-of-the-art equipment furnished by the Ann Belsky Moranis School makes it possible for each student to develop skills and creativity in the area of arts and dramatic expression.

The creative and performing arts are also helping Shavei Rachel's students cope with the current security crisis in Israel. "Art and drama give them a means of expressing and coming to terms with the struggles and emotions that they face on a daily basis," Rabbi Epstein says.

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