By Hannah Poltorak, 9th Grade

In this week’s Parsha, Ki Tavo, Moshe instructs the Jewish people that once they enter the land of Israel, they are to bring the “first” ripe fruit, or bikkurim, to the kohanim to show their gratitude to God. We also learn about the various blessings and curses if God’s laws are abided, or if they are not.

Bnai Yisrael have recently adopted their prestigious new title as they enter into the new land as the chosen people, and this is not taken for granted. They are officially “אֶת־עַמְּךָ אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל”  — et amkha et yisrael, the people Israel (Deuteronomy Chapter 26:15).

As this year’s new freshmen start their journey in a new school and part from their comfort zones, they adventure into a community filled with such supportive upperclassmen. They, too, experience their own bikkurim — the first Town Hall, the first club meeting, new teachers and students to get to know.

The freshmen are learning to abide by the laws of their new school, and with all of the first-week jitters gone, they are becoming part of the Shalhevet family. Like B’nai Yisrael, Shalhevet freshmen, entering into their new land, are learning that with their new name — Shalhevet Class Of 2021– comes great responsibility.