Bnos Menachem High School “Soldiers On”

“Usually the highlight of the production is the ‘day of’, the performance, but in Bnos Menachem, the whole two months of practice and work is something exciting,” remarks Esty Friedman, an 11th grader in Bnos Menachem High School. “Especially this year.”

“After being apart for so many months in quarantine, it was a special opportunity for the girls to spend time together working on something meaningful and beautiful. I love seeing the girls in this happy space,” says Chana Fogelman, who directs the drama, arranges the music, and helps with costumes, set design, and more, ensuring every detail is right to bring out the best in each girl.

While it seemed an impossible feat at times, given the myriad challenges and setbacks of a worldwide pandemic, Bnos Menachem High School was able to hold its production, “Soldier On,” due to the commitment of the school, community and administration.

Miss Rivky Avtzon, production director and technical head, who oversees all aspects of the show, says that when parents and students reached out about whether production would be able to happen this year, the response wasn’t “if we were going to have production,” but rather, “how will we make this happen.”

“We wanted to provide our students with a positive space to express themselves and have fun, which seemed especially uplifting and important during corona,” Miss Avtzon explains.

A story of courage and bravery, Soldier On follows Gedalia Kagan, a young man kidnapped and conscripted into the Czar’s Army as part of the Cantonist Decree. Faced with impossible choices, Gedalia struggles to hold onto his Yiddishkeit in the face of ridicule and punishment. At the same time, younger recruits look to Gedalia for strength. Adapted from Wildlands, a novel by M. Kenan, Soldier On is a hero’s journey, but the hero in this case isn’t perfect all the time. While ultimately Gedalia finds salvation, he does struggle along the way.

“Sometimes, when I have to do something hard and I’m not in the mood, the words of the mashal song from production will pop into my head,” says a 12th-grade student. “The lyrics are ‘though I’m tired and weak my commitment still burns.’ It gives me the strength to forge ahead and do what’s right, even if I don’t feel like it.”

Gedalia’s inner resolve to stay connected to Hashem despite his failures, brings out the idea of “sheva yipol tzadik v’kam,” a righteous person will fall seven times and get up. “Even if we make mistakes, we can always get back on track and try our best,” says Miss Fogelman.

“Hashem doesn’t expect us to be perfect,” adds Bnos Menachem High School principal, Mrs. Werner. “He wants us to learn from our mistakes, and be able to turn around and do the right thing now.”

Miss Avtzon notes that the themes and messages continue to resonate even a month later. “One student told me that when she missed a day of the Nasi, she wanted to give up and not say it the next day, since she had already ‘messed up.’ Then she remembered the message that it’s not ‘all or nothing,’ and decided to try again.”

“In addition to bringing out important relevant themes,” Mrs. Karnowsky, principal of Bnos Menachem High School says, “Production adds so much positivity. It fills the school with excitement and gives a sense of purpose, as the girls use the opportunity to express their talents.”

With songs written, props and costumes designed, sewn, and built by the girls themselves, each student has a chance to shine, sharing her creativity and dedication to make the show come together. “The girls take such responsibility when they are given their roles and tasks” adds Mrs. Karnowsky.

“Production brought out the best in everyone and taught all involved that nothing is impossible. We may have to adjust how things are done, and be willing to try a new way,” shares Mrs. Werner. “But working together as a team, 9th through 12th grade, made it possible.”

“The unity that the girls shared was palpable,” says Miss Avtzon. “Everyone cheered their friends on, the students helped each other get ready for the show, really looking out for each other so that each girl could look and feel her best.”

11th grader, Shaina Sasonkin, shares, “No matter what mood I was in, my day was always better when it came to practice. I got to know girls from other grades better and by practice, everyone was just so nice and helpful for everything. That’s what made the atmosphere so enjoyable.”

The positivity and enthusiasm influenced the audience as well. “I originally came to production to support my family and friends,” says Yehudis Telsner, a Bnos Menachem High School alumna. “I enjoyed it so much I stayed for another show. I felt as though the lines the girls spoke reflected something deeper than just a script — a special energy in each and every girl’s performance.”

Another viewer sums up her thoughts on this year’s production, “I’ve been in many productions and seen many performances over the years. From the acting, to the costumes, to the singing, choreography, and the genuine feeling portrayed, Soldier On is spectacular!”

To view the production promo, and to purchase the video click here or visit www.bnosmenachem.org/production.