NSHA Students Honored for Leadership in Building Healthy Jewish Communities

Four NSHA high school students were recently honored for their leadership after completing a national program focused on fostering healthy relationships and addressing domestic abuse within the Jewish community.

Sofia A., Molly F., Eve G., and Hili Z. participated in the Purple Fellowship, a new offering from the Shalom Task Force (STF), an organization dedicated to preventing domestic violence and promoting safe, healthy relationships and families. Open to high school juniors and seniors, the fellowship draws participants from Jewish schools across the country. At NSHA, interest in the program grew following the involvement of last year’s seniors.

After a competitive application process, Sofia, Molly, Eve, and Hili — all members of the class of 2026 — were selected to join the nine-week program, which met weekly and was led by STF staff and guest lecturers. They joined peers in coursework that covered a range of topics, from healthy relationships to red flags, boundaries, supporting friends, stigma, barriers to coming forward, local resources, and event planning.

Upon completion of the program, the students put their newfound leadership skills into action. Working with Ms. Lisa Septimus, NSHA Director of Student Life, they organized “Go Purple Day” to raise awareness among teens about domestic violence and healthy relationships.

The students went big with their plans. They decorated the school in purple, encouraged everyone to wear purple outfits and accessories, and raised funds for STF with a burger sale. They also arranged for a special guest speaker as part of the school’s mental health and halacha programming.

“NSHA and STF are aligned in values,” Mrs. Septimus said. “Healthy connections, relationships, social and emotional intelligence and awareness, and the importance of addressing the needs of the Jewish community with sensitivity are all pillars of what we teach. STF has been a great partner in creating leadership opportunities for our students.”

For their efforts and demonstrated commitment to Jewish communal work, Sofia, Molly, Eve, and Hili were honored with STF’s Young Leadership Award on Sunday, Dec. 7, at a special brunch hosted by STF at The Sephardic Temple in Cedarhurst, NY. Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Kobrin, NSHA Head of School/Rosh Yeshiva, and Rabbi Avi Miller, Director of Integrated Judaic studies, were in attendance to show their support.

The students say the program had a big impact on them, strengthening their commitment to healthy relationship education and giving them tools to share their learnings with their peers. It was especially meaningful to be able to give back to the STF by planning a fundraiser unique to NSHA.

Through programs like the Purple Fellowship, Shalom Task Force equips students with a stronger understanding of what safe and healthy relationships look like, and reinforces the importance of communal responsibility and support within the Jewish community.