Hadar Bet Yaakov TED Talk

Cultivating Bnot Yisrael who are expressive communicators is integral to Hadar Bet Yaakov’s vision for developing the next generation of leaders. HBY emphasizes public speaking and debate throughout its curriculum: STEM students regularly deliver presentations, English students engage in literature debates, and formal public speaking classes and the HBY Speakers and Debate Club further strengthen students’ communication skills.

This past Wednesday, Hadar Bet Yaakov hosted a TED Talk–style event together with other New York–area girls’ high schools. The theme, “It’s All About Habits,” inspired a wide range of thoughtful perspectives. One student compared habits to the small structures that “make up” who we are, creatively concluding with “makeup” props. Another outlined how habits are formed and reinforced, while several speakers shared emotionally charged personal examples illustrating the consequences of negative habits and the challenges they create.

Mrs. Shalvah Schottenfeld, HBY’s Speakers coach, led Hadar Bet Yaakov’s participants and proudly opened the program, introducing the event and its judges while carefully keeping each speaker within the three-minute time limit. Judges Mrs. Judith Kramer, a veteran New York Public Schools ELA teacher; Mrs. Rochel Sirote, a New York City DOE speech therapist; and Mrs. Sari Aminov, an acclaimed and beloved public speaker, came together to evaluate and rank all seventeen presenters. It was no easy task, as each student spoke thoughtfully, clearly delineating main ideas, supporting them with details, and engaging the audience with genuine emotion.

General Studies Principal Mrs. Friedman welcomed attendees by reflecting on how the power of speech distinguishes human beings, enabling us not merely to convey everyday information but to communicate ideas, emotions, and concepts that reflect humanity at its highest level. Each contestant demonstrated strong public speaking skills, presenting unique perspectives on habits and bringing pride to their respective schools.

Hadar Bet Yaakov now looks forward to a March competition in Brooklyn, as well as a planned storytelling event with other local schools later this spring. Schools interested in participating in NY Girls Yeshiva Public Speaking and Debate events are encouraged to contact Mrs. Schottenfeld at Hadar Bet Yaakov at 516-670-5756.