Community Bids Seminary Farewell

By Jack Shapiro

Amidst tears, laughter, applause, delicious food and words of Torah, a packed crowd said farewell to the BMC seminary in Ste Agathe, Quebec.

BMC celebrated its 11th annual graduation/end-of-the-year event on Sunday June 4th. The large crowd packed into BMC’s newly renovated auditorium to hear inspiring speeches from the seminary faculty, graduating students and community members. Parents from far away were given the opportunity to join in the celebrations via skype.

Mr. Peter Klauber, Vice President of the local House of Israel Synagogue, gave a touching speech emphasizing the great asset the girls were to the local community and synagogue through their mivtzoim and assisting in community events.

Mrs. Chana Carlebach, Dean of the seminary, thanked the community for their support, spoke about highlights of the year and concluded with a personal message to each student.

Ray Katz spoke on behalf of the girls’ weekly chavrusos. She gave an emotional speech on what her chavrusa meant to her and the Torah thoughts gained from their study time.

This was followed by inspiring Dvar Torahs by each of the graduates tied into what seminary meant to them in terms of being able to go out into the world as a strong and well-grounded Bas Chabad.

Following the speeches, all present was invited to a scrumptious meal of sushi, pastas, salads, and of course, a large graduation cake.