For the last two weeks, another of the legendary, larger than life Bais Yaakov of

	Click on the picture to view a slideshow of the Exhibit

Baltimore Exhibits has been open to the public, and judged by the comments of mesmerized visitors, this one has certainly equaled if not bettered its predecessors in its grandeur and magnitude. The Exhibits have been presented to the public every four to five years and are largely seen as a truly unique experience in the larger Jewish community, drawing many thousands of visitors. These include schools and groups that bus in from the tri-state area and beyond. An observer commented that if a museum type presentation of this quality were created in the New York vicinity, it would easily draw tens of thousands of guests in a mere matter of weeks. In addition, this year's schedule included "Grandparents Day" as well as many other group tours including, but not limited to, The Associated Women, Israel Bonds Women, as well as members of the Deaf and hard of hearing community (see articles about all of these below), to name a few.

 

The Exhibit theme depicted in this year's presentation is the group of great women throughout Jewish history who formed or led Klal Yisroel. The theme, "Eishes Chayil: Guardians of Our Glory- A Celebration of Women in Tanach," movingly depicts the central role that our Imahos (matriarchs) and nevios (prophetesses) played in the creation and development of our people. The Exhibit occupies an entire high school floor, with eleven large classrooms and hallways dedicated to the Imahos, sheva nevios and other great righteous tzidkaniyos alluded to in Eishes Chayil (Mishlei, Perek 31:10-31). A combination of the professional quality of the presentations and their beautifully crafted messages has led to guests- men and women- experiencing genuine inspiration. And these guests include an amazing range of our brothers and sisters from all walks of Jewish life.

Numerous hashkafic and historical ideas, places and images are projected at the Exhibit through a multiplicity of artistic media. The creativity of the students extends to mock-ups of Esther in Achashveirosh's palace, the tents of our Imahos, a real kriyas yam suf (splitting of the sea), a DNA model, the eitz hada'as, (tree of knowledge) and much, much more. The vast array of media used include actual cut stone (!), beautiful stained glass, embroidery, quilting, stunning art work, mosaics, videos and interactive games. The materials used- costing tens of thousands of dollars and including numerous structures- include a list as long as the students' minds were creative in planning their individual projects. 

 

It is truly hard to believe, in times when our young people have to fend off so many outside influences, that they can muster their determination, stamina, diligence, happy spirits and comradery to create a project of this sort, taking thousands of man hours and endless old fashioned, loving handiwork to complete. Our Imahos must certainly be smiling in shomayim, to witness such wonderful and inspired children. Unending thanks are due to our superstar faculty trio who guided the students in their efforts, project brainchild Mrs. Wolf, together with Mrs. Goldstein, and Mrs. Krakauer. Their z'chus, together with that of utterly selfless teachers and parents, all blessed with untold s'yata d'shmaya (Divine assistance), have helped the students bring a great and unique gift to Klal Yisroel, and supreme nachas to all of us at Bais Yaakov. 

 

The Exhibit is open for its final viewing this  Motzoei Shabbos January 21^st , 7:30-11:00 PM .  For more information email: [email protected] or call:  443-548-7700 ext. 9130.

 

A new dimension was added to Exhibit this year.  Although visitors have always spanned generations, this is the first time a morning was reserved exclusively for the high school students to personally escort their grandparents and, for some, even their great-grandparents, through the Exhibit, as Grandparents Day was incorporated into Exhibit 2017.  Grandparents were invited as Bais Yaakov's honored guests to share in the  nachas of their grandchildren that is so rightfully theirs.  In addition, realizing how children and students are in turn encouraged and motivated when seeing their grandparents' taking pride in their progeny, the day was important for all who took part in this special event. While there was an overwhelming response from grandparents who live locally, there were those who traveled from distant cities, including New York, Chicago and Indianapolis.  The guided tours were preceded by a wonderfully decorated reception introducing the morning that allowed for grandparents to meet each other, as well as serve as an informal reunion for others.

It was a most beautiful and moving sight to observe the interactions between the girls and their grandparents, creating special bonds and lasting memories.  They were amazed at the talent, intricate details, and creative interpretations of pesukim and events relating to women in Tanach.  Some smiled happily as they listened intently to their granddaughters' narration and explanation of the magnificent displays they beheld, while others engaged in lively discussion.  They marveled at the ease with which each girl answered questions, recalled sources, and tailored their tours to the interest of their guests.  The poise and confidence observed in all of the girls, contributed to the  nachas they felt.

A wide range of emotions were observed. There were many smiles, exclamations, and even laughter as the "Behind the Scenes" video was watched, displaying among other things, the amount of glue, pins, bottle caps, pistachio seeds, and date pits that were used in the artistic creations.  Many expressed their feelings of awe at the vast amount of research the girls did in preparation for the Exhibit.  Tear-filled eyes expressed the tremendous pride they felt in their granddaughters' participation in such a beautiful and inspiring project.  Much appreciation was expressed by the grandparents for the opportunity afforded them.  Everyone left with warm feelings and a specially designed magnetized frame created exclusively for the Grandparents Day 5777/2017.

 

Dear Exhibit Leaders 2017:

What a wonderful treat it was for Women of Israel Bonds Maryland and Associated Women to tour the Bais Yaakov Exhibit 2017, "Guardians of Our Glory: A Celebration of Women in Tanach" last week! Prior to the VIP tour, each group was served breakfast. Rabbi Zalman Nissel, Chief Executive Officer and Rabbi Aaron Gross, Director of Development greeted and addressed the two groups prior to the tour. In addition, student leaders explained the theme behind the exhibit and described the laborious process that engaged the Bais Yaakov High School girls over the last four months to bring this magnificent exhibit to fruition. Mrs. Sora Greenlinger spoke as a teacher and a parent, and Mrs. Elise Wolf, Principal, General Studies, gave an historical overview of the exhibit concept.