Walking into Esther Miller Bais Yaakov last week, I expected a typical school project. Instead, I found something far more ambitious.
Every two years, the school hosts a biennial convention, a student-led event that transforms the building into an immersive exhibit. More than 100 guests from similar schools across the country arrived to experience the displays, participate in workshops, and engage in discussions.
Unlike most school projects, this event is entirely student-driven. Faculty provide guidance, but students handle everything—from research and exhibit construction to hospitality and logistics—making sure every detail comes together.
“The students are giving you the tour because they know what everything here means,” said Pirchie Greenspon, the school’s secular studies principal and acting interim head of school. “They will do a far better job than any faculty member because it’s truly their project from beginning to end.”
Exploring the exhibit
The exhibit unfolds like a living timeline, guiding visitors through Jewish history with student-designed interactive displays. Each section highlights a different period, illustrating Jewish resilience, education, and leadership.
Chaya Sara Usprich, a 12th grader, and Chava Chase, an 11th grader, led the first section of the tour, focusing on the three forefathers—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—each embodying a key characteristic.
A beaded wave symbolizes Abraham’s kindness, reflecting how too much kindness without boundaries can be overwhelming. Next to it, a sturdy earth structure represents Isaac’s discipline, a force of strength and stability. Jacob, embodying balance, unites the two—just as his descendants must.
“Each forefather contributed something unique to our heritage,” said Chase. “Jacob is where it all comes together—he took the strengths of Abraham and Isaac and created the foundation we still live by today.”
In the next section, the wisdom of the prophets is displayed on newspaper backgrounds, symbolizing their continued relevance. “The prophets weren’t just predicting the future—they were calling on the Jewish people to act with justice and righteousness,” said Usprich.
The exhibit also honors Jewish heroes like Queen Esther, the Maccabees, and Holocaust rescuers—individuals who stepped up in times of crisis.
“One of the most powerful parts of this project was realizing how one person’s actions can change history,” said Usprich. “We’re standing on their shoulders today.”
Building in Their Framework: How Jewish Movements Shape the Present
Batseva Feigenbaum, a 12th grader and Sarah Bermanski, an 11th grader, led the next section, exploring key Jewish movements that shaped education, outreach, and identity.
One display illustrates the rise, destruction, and rebirth of Jewish learning institutions. A large map marks historic yeshivas lost in the Holocaust alongside today’s thriving centers of Jewish study. “We wanted to show that learning never stopped—even in the darkest times, there were people ensuring Jewish education survived,” said Feigenbaum.
Another striking feature is a Jewish star made up of diverse faces, symbolizing modern Jewish outreach efforts that reconnect Jews from all backgrounds to their heritage. Organizations like Chabad and Aish HaTorah play a crucial role in ensuring that every Jew, no matter their starting point, has a place in Jewish life.
“This section was personal for many of us,” said Feigenbaum. “We all know people who found their way back to Judaism through outreach. It’s a reminder that we’re all part of one family.”
At the end of the exhibit, visitors encounter a miniature Kotel (Western Wall), where they can write messages on small bricks and place them on the display. “Every person who walks through this exhibit has a role in Jewish history,” said Bermanski. “We wanted them to leave with a sense of connection and responsibility.”
The power of student leadership
For students, this experience went beyond history—it was a lesson in teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
“We had to make sure everyone was comfortable and doing what they were best at,” said Usprich. “Some worked on research, some on exhibit design, others on welcoming guests—it was all about teamwork.”
Students also took charge of organizing the event itself. Some focused on presentations, while others managed logistics, hospitality, and coordinating visiting schools. “It’s not just about what we learned—it’s about how we worked together to bring this vision to life,” said Feigenbaum.
Beyond the classroom
“This is more than just a history lesson—it’s a life lesson,” said Rabbi Avi Feigenbaum, the school’s executive director. “Students learn organization, public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving. These are skills they’ll use long after they graduate.”
The impact of the exhibit extended beyond the school walls. Students from across the country arrived to experience the project firsthand.
“We want them to learn something new,” said Bermanski. “This isn’t just about what we already know—it’s about understanding our place in history and how we can carry it forward.”
Looking ahead
While some parts of the exhibit will be dismantled, key sections will remain in place for the next two years, serving as an educational resource for future students and visitors.
“This project is about creating something lasting,” Greenspon said.
After spending time in the exhibit, it was clear—these students aren’t just studying history. They’re living it.
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