By COLlive reporter
Teachers and alumni of Bnos Menachem High School in Crown Heights held an evening of appreciation and farewell event for Mrs. Rishe Majesky, the longtime principal.
Mrs. Majesky, who served as the principal of the High School for the past 19 years since its founding, will not be returning to lead the school next year.
During the emotional event at a home in Crown Heights, Mrs. Majesky was thanked by staff, students and alumni for her years of dedication serving as the school’s beloved principal.
Over 200 students joined the event over Zoom, and later, this year’s graduating class joined to present a beautiful song and gift – a photo of the school comprised of images of all students – past and present.
Throughout the event, students recalled Mrs. Majesky as a principal who gave her heart and soul to her students, and whose dedication to each girl was known.
A poem written by a teacher in the school, titled “From the myriad of words that exist” and expressing appreciation to Mrs. Majesky, was recited by alumnae from around the world.
A special video presentation featured alumni of all ages, who fondly recalled their years in Bnos Menachem and described their experiences with a principal who was kind, fair, and always had hand cream in her office.
“I vividly remember the first time I met Mrs. Majesky,” said alumna Sarah Marshall, who relates that her family was preparing for a move to Crown Heights, and were searching for a new school for her.
“We met around the Majesky’s dining room table, and I knew right away this is the school I would be cared for. Our class was always spoiled, we had lots of trips, school always seemed fun, and Mrs. Majesky always had her heart and soul in everything that she did for us.
“I really give her credit for being there for the students, I always felt I had someone to turn to… a home away from home and a safe place of structure, of learning, lots of chayus, a place where I have amazing memories,” Marshall recalled. “Today I am in Chinuch and have an even greater appreciation for everything Mrs. Majesky has done, I see what it takes to be there for the next generation,” she says.
Alumna Rochel Leah Engel proudly related that Mrs. Majesky made time to comment on her tests, and says that as a student, she truly felt seen.
“She noticed when I did a good job, and when I didn’t do a good job, she encouraged me to do better in a positive and motivating way. How many projects was she working on during that time, but she was able to zoom in on each person’s needs. I feel so lucky to have had such a dedicated and loving principal. She wasn’t just a principal, she was your friend,” she says.
“In Seminary, our teachers spoke a lot about how a mother of a home sets the tone, energy and environment,” alumna Shuffa Friedman said. “I feel like I saw that and experienced that in High School. Mrs. Majesky set an environment and a tone for the whole High School – she created a family.
“We saw that, in her care and love in the small things,” Friedman says, describing how Mrs. Majesky would stand by the door in the mornings and greet every student with a genuine, sincere smile and good morning.
“Her office was always open if we wanted to talk about something – or even just for some hand cream,” Friedman says. “She would always listen to what we had to say, and also tried to do something to help and change the situation.”
“I gained an immense love for Yiddishkeit and excitement for Hashem and Torah because of what I experienced in High School, and so much of that credit goes to Mrs. Majesky,” Friedman concluded.
MRS MAJESKY IS A QUEEN! SHE HAS BEEN bnos menachem for 20 years. WITHOUT HER, DONT KNOW THAT THE SCHOOL CAN CONTNUE ITS GOOD NAME. HER KINDNESS COMPASSION AND TRUE AHAVAS YISRAEL TO EACH GIRL IS NOT TO BE COMPARED. WE WILL MISS HER TERRIBLY
Mrs Majesky is the best principal I ever had! We’re going to miss her!!
Her kindness, her smile and warmth filled the high school classrooms. As a student, I always knew I could turn to Mrs. Majeski. She was always ready to listen and offer an encouraging word. You will be missed!
It isn’t possible to adequately describe how much she cared for each student. There will never be another principal like her and I feel privileged to have been with her for my four years of high school. So much love and respect!
I WISH I COULD SAY THIS ABOUT MY HIGH SCHOOL…
proud to call her my mother
No words could describe the amount of appreciation we have for mrs majesky. Her devotion and care for our school is beyond words. We will miss you so much next year and school will never be the same without you. We will miss your poems, skits, singing and always being their with a listening ear. Even though it will be hard next year, we know that what you have taught us we will carry with us throughout our lives and the rest of high school.
Their are not enough words to fully describe Mrs Mejesky’s commitment and dedication to each one of her students. She gave her life and soul. She modeled hundreds of girls into true Bnos chabad. I feel so fortunate that two of my daughters were under her care.
It’s no surprise to me all the praise Mrs majeski is getting ! she comes from one the most careing true chassideshe family’s in all lubavitch , the paltiel family .
AMAZING SUCH A SPECIAL AND DEVOTED PRINCIPAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She truly cared and knew each girls journey, so caring. Each time I see her, I know she truly cares about each of us!
Mrs Majesky is the definition of a true mechaneches, who is committed bleiv ubanefesh to her students,
what a loss for the school!