Cheshvan: A New Approach

Cheshvan, which coincides with November, is a little different this year at JCHS. This year, JCHS started a new initiative called “Show Up and Be Present.” This means we hand in our phones at the beginning of each class and have them returned afterward. Moreover, we also try to minimize how much we use our laptops. Technology is an essential part of today’s society, but we’ve taken it upon ourselves to explore the world of “being present.” JCHS is trying to make this month inspiring and empowering. Since this is the month with no Chagim, it is considered a bitter month and really a time of opportunity for growth and hope to mitigate the bitterness. This is also the month right after the intensive holidays of Tishrei. Especially since the October 7th massacre, we pray every day that our hostages come home and that this war comes to an end. As part of being hopeful, JCHS is bringing many heroes to speak to us about the challenges they’ve faced in the last year.

Our first speaker was Shabbos Kestenbaum, a Harvard student who has filed a lawsuit against Harvard due to the antisemitism there. He highlighted the major unfairness and safety precautions he had to take to keep himself safe.

Our next speaker was Yonatan Ben Chamu, a commander in the IDF D-9 unit. The vehicle he was driving was struck by an RPG explosion during the first ground assault on Gaza. Yonatan jumped out the window to save his life. After he was rescued, he stayed in Soroka Hospital for 6 days. During his speech, he showed us pictures and videos from his army service. Students at JCHS were inspired by his unit’s heroic work. Yonatan continues to fight for Israel despite losing a leg. In fact, Yonatan wears an Israeli flag on his prosthetic leg. From Yonatan, we can learn that we should always carry a piece of Judaism and Israel with us at all times. The bravery he exhibited is remarkable.

Next, we had Emily Austin, a former NBA broadcaster from Long Island, New York. Austin has always been an observant Jew but has faced antisemitism and cultural differences from peers at school. She lost her job as an NBA broadcaster due to her public advocacy since the war on October 7th. The tragedy of that day changed her life forever. Losing her career didn’t stop her from becoming a public advocate for Israel and the Jewish nation. From her, JCHS students can learn that no person or career can take away your right to speak up for Israel and our people.

Our next speaker was Shlomi Goldstein, a dentist who works for the IDF. On the 7th, Shlomi was working when, at around 7:00 in the morning, he learned of the rockets and chaos plaguing parts of Israel. His team sent him to Shura where bodies were being brought in. Commanders were bringing in soldiers and evacuating them from refrigeration trucks. Shlomi went days with barely any food or water to drink. At times when he would catch a break, he'd see families waiting outside to search for their children, hoping they would come home. He explains that this is where his strength comes from to continue his selfless service. At the beginning of December, Shlomi was sent to the Gaza Strip. As he was preparing his equipment, he heard a loud explosion. He was immediately rushed to a hospital, not realizing his injury was so severe. His wife explained to him that the first thing he said after waking up from surgery was that he met death. Rabbis told him that he was reborn after spending months in Tel Hashomer Hospital. From him, we can learn the importance of having faith in Hashem and remaining strong during difficult times.

Our very last speaker was Omri Rozenblit, a 22-year-old platoon commander in the IDF. He is a strong, fearless individual who wasn’t afraid to fight for Israel. On February 9th, his life changed forever after 91 days of fighting in Gaza. Omri went from house to house, cleansing the homes of Hamas terrorists. As a platoon commander, he led his unit, guiding them every step of the way. Suddenly, there was a loud explosion that brought a three-story home crashing down on his team. Covered by the remains of the house, unconscious and bleeding, he was rescued by his friends. Thinking he was dead, one of them told another, “Don’t look at him; we want to remember him as he was when he was alive.” A day later, Omri woke up and couldn’t remember anything. The first thing he asked his mother was, “Where are my soldiers?” Soon after, his mother came with three of his guys who had been in the house with him. He says that one of his proudest moments was when he saw them smiling and standing on their two feet. Ultimately, he discovered that he was missing one of his legs. Upon realizing what had happened, he thought that his life was over and that nothing good would ever happen to him again. Omri said to himself that before this, he was just a fearless young kid who had no problem with heavy weights and equipment. Omri explains the feelings of self-loathing he experienced in that moment upon realizing what had happened and deciding that he would never be able to accept himself this way. However, as he started reconnecting with his peers, he gained a little bit of hope each time. As he began accomplishing normal everyday things, he gained confidence and hope. After a while, he was given a prosthetic limb and became 100% independent again. When he walked for the first time, it gave him the drive to go on and do more. Omri explains that after finding himself again, he surrounded himself with other soldiers who were experiencing the same thing and gave them positivity and strength, reminding those who were going through hardships to always keep going. His message to the JCHS students and staff was, “Always remember that whatever you are going through, you are strong.” We learn from Omri that even in hard times, “There is always light at the end of the tunnel.”

After hearing these powerful stories of bravery and perseverance, we realize that no matter the challenge, big or small, we can always find the strength to keep going, fight harder, and never lose hope.