By R Friedman
Achos has been such an incredible part of my Rohr Bais Chaya Academy high school experience. It’s a program for Lubavitch girls like me, meant to help us build a deep, personal connection to Chassidus. The system is based on the original Achos Hatmimim started by the Frierdiker Rebbe, and the goal is real, lasting growth through learning maamarim in depth over four years. But Achos is way more than just learning — it’s about connection, creativity, and becoming a stronger, prouder Chossid.
Each unit came with these beautifully designed booklets — they had summaries, reflection prompts, and hachlatos we could actually apply. We had weekly book clubs with fun review games, inspiring farbrengens, creative projects like “Maamer in a Minute,” and even an Achos Gallery where we could express what we learned through art or media. As we participated, we earned points and worked toward prizes, and it all led up to the big end-of-year celebration.
That came full circle last night at the Achos Banquet, and it was really something special. Forty-two of us earned our spot, which was the biggest Achos group Bais Chaya’s ever had. The room was glowing with low lighting, pink accents, velvet tablecloths, floral centerpieces, and personalized place cards. We were all dressed up, and there was a taco bar before things got started.
The night kicked off with a video montage showing highlights from each month — it brought back so many memories. Then we played a memory-sharing game that had everyone laughing and even tearing up. The Achos heads got up and did a grammen, thanking everyone who put effort into the program and sharing what it meant to them.
Then came the gifts. We each got a custom Achos duffle bag, a monogrammed travel blanket, and an Achos sweater. It felt like a really thoughtful way to show that what we gained this year is something we can take with us. We also got laminated certificates marking what we accomplished.
We watched a video where girls shared their favorite part of Achos — some talked about the book clubs, others about learning maamarim on their own, and a few mentioned specific farbrengens, like with Rabbi Blizinsky and Mrs. Levi, that really made an impact. You could tell Achos wasn’t just a side program — it brought real meaning and a sense of connection into our school.
At the end, we each wrote a duch to the Rebbe, reflecting on what we’d gained and taking on a new hachlata for the summer. We took a big group picture — the energy was amazing — and then enjoyed a rolled ice cream bar. It was such a great way to wrap up the year. Honestly, it felt more than just a banquet — it was a celebration of everything we did and everything we became through Achos.
Visit my school’s refreshed website at www.baischaya.com
Best program director!!!