A Crown of Memories

‫כתר מכלהוכנוהת‬

TeaEcxhperesrwiehonccreoswn
theaatchcrmoowmnenmt e
as a Bas Melech

I had the privilege of developing myself as
a student and peer as well as exercising my

“creative talents during extracurricular events
and activities.
- Faina Vorotinov
”Graduating Class of 2011

101

“My first day back at Bais Yaakov after my
brain surgery. I remember closing my eyes
and crying my heart out to Hashem. I thanked
Hashem for allowing me to see Bais Yaakov
again. I thanked Hashem for allowing me the
opportunity to thank Bais Yaakov, its teachers
and all of its students for Davening for me
and for my family during what was the most
scary and trying event in our lives. When my
mom helped me into the building and up Bais
Yaakov’s fine and precious stairs, I right away
saw my amazing friends!

102

‫כתר מכלהוכנוהת‬

TeaEcxhperesrwiehonccreoswn
theaatchcrmoowmnenmt e
as a Bas Melech

Literally, within less than two minutes the entire
Bais Yaakov was surrounding me. I just could
not believe the sight. Everyone was cheering,
smiling, singing, dancing, and most of all
thanking Hashem. All of Bais Yaakov stood by
me and helped me through and through, from
beginning till the very end, during and after
my surgery. My family and I would have never
made it through if it were not for Hashem and
the best place in the world, Bais Yaakov!

- Shiri Spector

”Graduating Class of 2013

103

“When one thinks of Bais Yaakov they don’t
just think of a school, they think of a home.
A home away from home that has given them
another family. It’s more than just a school in
the sense that the staff doesn’t just care about
how well you’re doing academically, they care
that you are actuallizing your potential. They
create an environment that enables you to take
your talents and excel, and then take your
weaknesses and work with them until those
too, become strengths.

- Rebecca Kushner

”Graduating Class of 2015

104

‫כתר מכלהוכנוהת‬

TeaEcxhperesrwiehonccreoswn
theaatchcrmoowmnenmt e
as a Bas Melech

“It was an unbelievable feeling- the ruach we
all had. It didn’t matter what grade we were
in, we had a special bond with eachother. We
all worked together with achdus and included
everyone. BYTC gave us something that no
one else could. I remember the warm feeling
of BYTC.

- Russy (Weinberg) Goldstein

”Graduating Class of 2002

105

“Bais Yaakov was always a blast! From
production to crazy Lag Baomer trips, we
all had an amazing time. The strong bonds
and friendships that I made with friends and
teachers are so meaningful to me... They say
your surroundings and the environment you
place yourself in has the biggest affect on you.
Being in Bais Yaakov and with all my amazing
friends and staff truly made me into who I am
today and it only makes me want to become
better in every aspect of Yiddishkeit.

- Tzlil Israely

”Graduating Class of 2014

106

‫כתר מכלהוכנוהת‬

TeaEcxhperesrwiehonccreoswn
theaatchcrmoowmnenmt e
as a Bas Melech

“Thinking back to BY there are so many
memories that come to mind. I think the one
that has impacted my life the most was how
to be part of a team. We were always a small
group of girls, but were involved in every part
of BY. Whether it was being on a committee
for Shabbaton, production, or planning a G.O.
activity we learned what it meant to work
together and take on leadership roles. Mrs.
Gibber always encouraged us and her door was
always open for advice. She taught us how to
work together under all different circumstances.

- Shoshana (Miller) Rubin

”Graduating Class of 2008

107

“BY is a happy place. I loved coming to school
each day. People smiled. People laughed. I
was part of a family. It was my home. I was
comfortable and accepted. I had a connection to
the older girls in a real way. No matter how many
years have passed, when I meet a fellow student
from BYTC the connection is still so strong.
Production was a real highlight for me. I
loved every second of it. It was a way for me
to use my talents and feel good about what I
can accomplish. It brought a strong sense of
camaraderie among the girls in the school.
It was a healthy and rewarding outlet. All the
extra-curricular activities were really like that.
I loved feeling part of something bigger.

108

‫כתר מכלהוכנוהת‬

TeaEcxhperesrwiehonccreoswn
theaatchcrmoowmnenmt e
as a Bas Melech

I know that I am privileged to have gone to
such a school. Every person really counts and
is needed. Every absence is noticed. You matter
and you make a difference. In a small school
like BYTC - you really feel that you belong.
I have learned to care about others and try to help
others shine. Whether it is a student or someone
who needs a friend, I now try to be more aware
of people around me. I try to be a giver and try to
help others feel good about themselves. Thank
you, Bais Yaakov, for instilling this within me.

- Calah (Murray) Reisman

”Graduating Class of 2004

109

“Being in a small school, we had opportunities
that girls in big schools don’t. We were friends
with girls older and younger that we were. When
we had productions or Shabbatonim, it was all
hands on deck. We were never lost in the crowd.
Each one of us had multiple responsibilities.
We learned to be leaders because everyone
was always the head of something. We had a
sense of importance. This is something that
carries through to my life today. Even with all
my responsibilities at home and work, I can
multitask and lead by using my skills to volunteer
for my shul and my children’s school. I can ‫היה‬
‫בּטוב‬: be important and make a difference!

- Nechama (Breningstall) Nafisi

”Graduating Class of 2001

110

‫כתר מכלהוכנוהת‬

TeaEcxhperesrwiehonccreoswn
theaatchcrmoowmnenmt e
as a Bas Melech

“I have many fond memories of Bais Yaakov of
the Twin Cities. One of my positive recollections
is production practice and production. This was
an opportunity to bond and connect with my
classmates and friends. It was amazing to witness
how girls took their unique strengths and talents
to help their friends. There was a constant warm
and fun atmosphere during all the practices.

- Rivka Rabinowitz

”Graduating Class of 2014

111

“I remember first starting Bais Yaakov and
being completely overwhelmed by the amount
of chessed opportunities and extracurricular
activities we were expected to take part in.
I was scared to participate in these activities
because I had never really done anything like
that before. Thankfully, participation was not
up for discussion, and I was forced to step out
of my comfort zone, and I’m so glad I did.
After having so much fun volunteering and
participating in activities, my attitude towards
getting involved changed from reluctant to
excited. Now, when faced with an opportunity
to volunteer or contribute to the community, I
look forward to it and I know that all started at
Bais Yaakov.

- Bronia Goldman

”Graduating Class of 2010

112

‫כתר מכלהוכנוהת‬

TeaEcxhperesrwiehonccreoswn
theaatchcrmoowmnenmt e
as a Bas Melech

Bais Yaakov is a school which I feel fortunate to
have been a part of. Thanks to the unbelievable

“teachers I have risen academically and truly
learned a lot. But what makes BYTC different
is that it is not just a school but rather what we
like to call a “second home”. Just like in a home
everyone in the family feels comfortable and
able to be themselves, my memories of all the
fun, amazing times I had in BYTC were only
made possible because of the warm atmosphere
and energy created by all its staff and students.
Whether it was production, convention, or
G.O, the wonderful memories I have live on!

- Shira Mandelbaum

”Graduating Class of 2015

113

“The amount of effort I saw being put into
community and chessed projects really helped
me develop an appreciation and commitment
towards my community. It is so easy to tell
students that it is important to engage in helpful
and constructive activities, but showing the
students how it is done creates a stronger and
deeper understanding of its importance. Going
to nursing homes, tutoring, working in Bnos,
all help instill the desire to help others.

- Sara (Aizman) Lang

”Graduating Class of 2011

114

‫כתר מכלהוכנוהת‬

TeaEcxhperesrwiehonccreoswn
theaatchcrmoowmnenmt e
as a Bas Melech

“My memories of being in Mrs. Gibber’s
kitchen making kugel, and in Mrs. Waxman’s
Sukkah playing pictionary are some of the fun
memories I have of Bais Yaakov.
I still feel close to Bais Yaakov, Mrs. Gibber
(my neighbor), and to many former teachers
and students. I feel that the lessons learned in
Bais Yaakov are portrayed in my daily living.

- Gittel (Weinberg) Deitel

”Graduating Class of 2005

115

“The many extracurricular activities gave
us the opportunity to enjoy ourselves in a
Hashkafically positive environment, which
was very important for us as developing, frum
teenagers. Some examples of these experiences
were monthly G.O. activities, production, and
the yearly Lag BaOmer trip.

- Shoshana (Waxman) Grossman

”Graduating Class of 2005

116

‫כתר מכלהוכנוהת‬

TeaEcxhperesrwiehonccreoswn
theaatchcrmoowmnenmt e
as a Bas Melech

“Production really brought out the talents of
each girl. For me personally, I now have the
opportunity to head up certain chessed projects
and feel that my Bais Yaakov extra curricular
experiences gave me the confidence to get
involved and be a part of these activities in my
community today.

- Tali (Etziony) Grant

”Graduating Class of 2010

117

“Getting to know the “once familiar strangers”:
In elementary school, people who were not in
the same grade really had nothing to do with
one another. You saw them around the school,
but that was it. We all knew who one another
WERE, but none of us actually KNEW one
another. (At least that’s how it was for me).
Looking back, the effects of the way that totally
changed in high school were probably what had
the most impact on me. It wasn’t just that they
were strangers before high school, it’s that they
were VERY FAMILIAR strangers, the people
you grew up AROUND but knew nothing
about, who then, in high school became the
people you’d spend most of your days with.

118

‫כתר מכלהוכנוהת‬

TeaEcxhperesrwiehonccreoswn
theaatchcrmoowmnenmt e
as a Bas Melech

The experience of spending time with, and really
getting to know these once familiar strangers,
was actually pretty mind blowing for me. When
you think you know who someone is, but find
out you REALLY have no idea who they are,
and then get to ACTUALLY LEARN who they
are, that’s something special, and I feel lucky to
have gotten the chance to experience that.
I guess the way that impacts me now, is that
I have a deep desire to, and appreciation for,
getting to know people. I now know that there
is probably MUCH more to people than you
think, and that it’s super worthwhile to find out
what that “much more” IS.

- Ronit Vertelney

”Graduating Class of 2003

119

“Throughout my years of high school, a big
part of Bais Yaakov was the extracurricular
programming. We were always busy with some
fun activity. When we worked on a convention,
production, roast, or a G.O. activity, an amazing
part of it was that the whole school worked
together. Each girl put in her talents and added
to the preparation. I really enjoyed working
together with everyone, and am so happy to
have been part of this experience.

- Esther Leah Greenberg

”Graduating Class of 2015

120

‫כתר מכלהוכנוהת‬

TeaEcxhperesrwiehonccreoswn
theaatchcrmoowmnenmt e
as a Bas Melech

“Thinking back to my high school years, my
mind jumps from Shabbatons to chaggigos,
production practices, enjoying recess breaks
in the hallway, birthday parties, Lag Baomer
trips, hosting Convention, making latkes at Mrs.
Gibber’s house and the list goes on and on. In
addition to all the “fun” memories, the lessons
learned from all the Bais Yaakov teachers are
something that I keep very close to me.

- Esti Weinberg

”Graduating Class of 2011

121

“Very fond memories that I still carry of Bais
Yaakov are how both the students and staff would
celebrate the month of Adar with practical jokes
and wonderful classes, helping bring the story
of Purim alive every year.
I looked forward to Yom Iyun every year,
so excited to hear the shiurim, watch the
performances and learn in new ways. They were
always great learning experiences, and to this
day I miss and fondly remember them when I see
Yom Iyun marked on the Bais Yaakov calender.

- Leah Raizel Braunstein

”Graduating Class of 2014

122

‫כתר מכלהוכנוהת‬

TeaEcxhperesrwiehonccreoswn
theaatchcrmoowmnenmt e
as a Bas Melech

“I remember all the late nights working
on Shabbaton, convention and production with
everyone. Even though we were on a huge time
crunch, we all got what needed to get done,
and enjoyed doing it. Everyone gave it their all
and helped out. Most importantly, we all loved
working together.

- Danielle Portnoy

”Graduating Class of 2015

123

“Bais Yaakov is a microcosm of a school.
When I entered 9th grade, the school consisted
of a mere 19 students, something unheard of
in larger communities. However, the small
numbers never dampened our spirits or
diminished Mrs. Gibber and Mrs. Waxman’s
dreams for what the school could do. We were
treated to programming on par or surpassing
schools 20 times our numbers. Let’s remember
together the myriad opportunities we had.
• Production and convention. How do 20 girls pull off
what usually takes more than 100 people to do? Easy.
Each girl fills 4-5 parts like drama, props, scenery,
choir, and dance
• Workshops with out-of-town speakers in an out-of-
school event
• Top level math classes in calculus and statistics

124

‫כתר מכלהוכנוהת‬

TeaEcxhperesrwiehonccreoswn
theaatchcrmoowmnenmt e
as a Bas Melech

• AP accredited classes
• Science labs in chemistry and rock science
• College level writing courses
• National contests that we actually won
• GO trips
• Warmth
• Excellence in Limudei Kodesh that taught us the breadth
of the Torah’s wisdom and the expanse of our nation’s
history; the depth that ruchnius can add to our lives

I constantly think back to my Bais Yaakov
years with hakaras hatov for the multifaceted
education that I received from Bais Yaakov.

- Tzipporah (Kreps) Stein

”Graduating Class of 2005

125

“How could I ever forget the good old days?
There was always something happening in Bais
Yaakov. Every day G.O. had us on our toes with
exciting breakouts and activities. Lag Ba’Omer
trips were the highlight of the year.
Twelfth grade was definitely the best year by
far. From applying to seminaries to fundraising
for graduation trip, I barely had a chance to
catch my breath. I loved midnight adventures
to school with friends to work on yearbook (or
breaking into canteen!!). Thank you BYTC for
all the memories and for giving me the tools I
needed to become who I am today.

- Miriam Simpser

”Graduating Class of 2012

126

‫כתר מכלהוכנוהת‬

TeaEcxhperesrwiehonccreoswn
theaatchcrmoowmnenmt e
as a Bas Melech

“The Big Sister-Little Sister program really
made a good impression on me when I first
came to Bais Yaakov. Going into 9th grade is
scary, but our “big sisters” really made it an
easy transition. I still keep up with my big sister.
I think that’s something special that doesn’t
happen in all schools.
Bais Yaakov really gives the girls good
opportunities to make connections with staff
members and other students to last a lifetime.

- Baila Rochel Weiswasser

”Graduating Class of 2014

127

“In the years since I have left Bais Yaakov, I
often find myself explaining to people that my
graduating class consisted of five girls. This is
almost always met with utter shock and disbelief.
However, what I remember most vividly about
my years at BYTC is that we were really all just
one family. Of course there were the freshies
and the “senioritas,” but at the end of the day,
none of that mattered. From the first day of my
freshman year, we were taken in and shown the
ropes. The seniors quickly taught us the rules of
the couch and “lunchroom.” From then on, we
were one big school, not four small classes.
I remember staying up all night during our
legendary Lag B’Omer trips, laughing and
singing with girls from every grade. I remember
the entire school trying to climb into a giant
treasure chest during a Shabbaton. I remember
working tirelessly on Production, each girl
having their unique and vital part.

128

‫כתר מכלהוכנוהת‬

TeaEcxhperesrwiehonccreoswn
theaatchcrmoowmnenmt e
as a Bas Melech

For winter break of my senior year, I went
on vacation with a sophomore and a junior.
Our destination? To visit two friends who had
graduated the year before. At the time this
seemed totally normal, but looking back I see
that it was something special. We all looked out
for each other no matter what. We might have
been different ages, had different personalities,
and certainly different strengths and weaknesses,
but none of that mattered because we were
a team. There might have been few of us in
numbers, but nothing could compare to the
friendship and achdus that we had.

- Rachel Margolies

”Graduating Class of 2003

129

“As I walked into Bais Yaakov for the first time,
wearing my crisp new uniform, I distinctly
remember feeling a sense of pride and
excitement. I couldn’t believe I was up to the
stage of high school, and I already knew how
much BYTC connected girls and their families
within our community.
Each girl in my class, among all the other girls
in BY, took the lessons BYTC taught her and
became even more special and grounded as an
individual. Each set out on a beautiful life-path.
I’m proud to call Bais Yaakov of the Twin Cities
my alma mater, and the foundation of my life.
May we continue to grow and flourish, and
create wonderful new memories!!

- Chaya Tzipporah (Waxman) Bernstein

”Graduating Class of 2009

130

‫כתר מכלהוכנוהת‬

TeaEcxhperesrwiehonccreoswn
theaatchcrmoowmnenmt e
as a Bas Melech

“One of my favorite memories of Bais Yaakov is
the Lag Ba’omer trip. Every year there would
be new heads, new places, and new activities. It
was an action packed trip, filled with excitement
and surprises. Not only was it a blast, but it was
also a fun atmosphere in which girls bonded
and became closer to those who they may have
not been so close to. Team activities also helped
to build those bonds and created memories that
lasted long after the trip was over.

- Osnati Chodos

”Graduating Class of 2014

131

“Every Rosh Chodesh benching, I think of Mrs.
Gibber. She taught us a tune to Rosh Chodesh
benching that she loves and without even
realizing it, I end up singing it to myself every
time!
Whenever we wanted to extend recess time or
get out of trouble, we would sing Mrs. Gibber’s
favorite song, “... ‫”עץ חיים היא‬, in the hope that
we could “win her over” with a Kumzitz.

- Sara (Weinberg) Markowitz

”Graduating Class of 2010

132

‫כתר מכלהוכנוהת‬

TeaEcxhperesrwiehonccreoswn
theaatchcrmoowmnenmt e
as a Bas Melech

“My favorite memories of Bais Yaakov include
all of the extracurricular activities, where
everyone can use their talents or even find
talents they never knew they had. The achdus it
brought to the school is everlasting. In addition,
the Friday announcements and kumzitses were
always a nice way to welcome in Shabbos. I
will never forget my time in Bais Yaakov.
Thanks for the great memories.

- Hendel Prero

”Graduating Class of 2015

133

“All the leadership opportunities I was afforded
during my years at BY have proved beneficial
on so many levels throughout my adult life.
Since we were a small school (18 girls in 9th
grade and 25 in 12th grade) the school jobs
that were needed to be filled were many. I
served as head of chessed, mishmeres, dance,
choir, props for production, and Shabbaton,
among others. I don’t know any other school
that would have allowed me the opportunity to
develop my skills in so many ways and in so
many leadership roles. I know that the skills I
gained from those experiences have built my
character and increased my eligibility options
for academic pursuits beyond high school.

134

‫כתר מכלהוכנוהת‬

TeaEcxhperesrwiehonccreoswn
theaatchcrmoowmnenmt e
as a Bas Melech

There are so many fun and funny memories from
those years spent in the halls and classrooms
of Bais Yaakov that have proved entertaining
to my kids and heartwarming to me whenever
I recall them now, 14 years later. Thank you,
Bais Yaakov, for a lifetime of lessons and
memories that will forever have a very special
place in my heart.

- Tzipporah Leah (Roberts) Kalatsky

”Graduating Class of 2002

135

“I don’t know if you still have your end of the
year collection of quotes from Toras Habayis,
but some versions include the quote “you can
take a girl out of Bais Yaakov, but you can’t
take Bais Yaakov out of a girl”. The adage rings
true as I sit here, reflecting.
It’s been a while since I’ve sat in 202 for
Bekiyus or 204 for special activities, but I can
still recall the review games we played and sing
parts of the Pirkei Avos we memorized. More
importantly, I still benefit from the skills that
Bais Yaakov developed in me and the Torah
Hashkafos our teachers taught and embodied.
The confidence to open up a sefer, the practice
working with other people, the lessons,
meshalim, discussions, and personal examples
are lasting gifts Bais Yaakov has given us.

- Miriam Kutoff

”Graduating Class of 2014

136

‫כתר מכלהוכנוהת‬

TeaEcxhperesrwiehonccreoswn
theaatchcrmoowmnenmt e
as a Bas Melech

Chocolate making with Mrs. Perez, Spanish
plays with Mrs. Starkey, Health week with

“Mrs. Oppen, book club with Ms. Donahue,
Calypso with Mrs. Wilhelm, lunch at Mrs.
Mandelbaum’s house, science experiments
with Mrs. Neary, and field trips with Dr. Lamb...
these are a few of my favorite things!
I am so inspired by my classmates, the class of
2001, who today are successful mothers, wives,
and professionals. As I look at their lives, all
four of them, I remain so grateful to them
for the inspiration I get from them on a daily
basis. And I am so grateful to Bais Yaakov for
bringing us all together.

- Dvora (Maister) Lakein

”Graduating Class of 2001

137

“I always loved the big Bais Yaakov conventions;
that was the first time I realized we were not
the only Bais Yaakov girls around here. I met
hundreds and hundreds of girls- some whom I
am still in contact with today
I loved all the kumzitz we had in the hallways
of Bais Yaakov “... ‫ ”עץ חיים היא‬The couch-
our timeout, lunchroom, and relaxing place.
Fishman’s french fries for lunch! Healthiest
lunch around- beats all the Brooklyn places!
Lag b’omber breakouts!!!!!!!!! The beauty
contest we had at lag b’omer one year!
Senior goodbye parties! Our year we turned the
whole Bais Yaakov into a cruise ship! Fresh
potato kugel every Friday... “seconds anyone?”

- Erin (Delmoor) Friedman

”Graduating Class of 2005

138

‫כתר מכלהוכנוהת‬

TeaEcxhperesrwiehonccreoswn
theaatchcrmoowmnenmt e
as a Bas Melech

“My most Chashuv memory is arriving at Bais
Yaakov every morning, entering the Ezras
Nashim, and watching every Bais Yaakov
student Davening with such passion and love.
I miss it a ton, because we all joined in song
together and it just sung so powerfully. It was so
beautiful and strong, and knowing how proud
Hashem was of Bais Yaakov and its students.

- Shiri Spector

”Graduating Class of 2013

139

“Looking back on my high school years, I think
about all the opportunities we were given to
head different committees and be involved in
so many events, and how it really gave us all a
chance to develop and shine. Being able to head
dances, Shabbatons, etc gave us the opportunity
to truly be involved. We had such great times
putting together a Shabbaton because we all
got to take part in making it happen.
I have such fun memories of the whole school
dancing by recess, everyone fitting on one
couch, all the time spent together preparing for
production night and the enjoyable classes.

140

‫כתר מכלהוכנוהת‬

TeaEcxhperesrwiehonccreoswn
theaatchcrmoowmnenmt e
as a Bas Melech

I remember the feeling of achdus in the air as
everyone all became friends with one another,
and learned to appreciate everyone for who
they were. Whenever I meet girls who I went
to Bais Yaakov with, we automatically have
that special bond of years truly spent together,
getting to know each other and helping each
other grow. Thank you for these memories, I
will cherish them forever.

- Malka Esther (Carriger) Schiffer

”Graduating Class of 2006

141