February 9th marked the start of the 24th annual Yeshiva University National Model United Nations (YUNMUN) competition in Stamford, Connecticut. I represented Hillel Academy in this year's competition along with Yael Itskowitz, Adina Kisilinsky, and Josh Hertzberg.

YUNMUN is exactly what its name implies: an imitation of the proceedings of the United Nations. Participating schools are assigned a country to represent. Each school then selects students to act as delegates and assume the goals, opinions, and positions of their appointed country. The delegates divide into committees to advocate their countries' views on specific topics related to each committee's goal, which were decided and announced before the competition. In order to properly represent their country, students research the issues outlined in the topics.

YU designs the committees to resemble those found in the real UN. I had the privilege to be on the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) lead by Chair David Weiss and Assistant Chair Michelle Sabbagh. Yael was part of the Security Council (UNSC), Adina took part in the Human Rights Council (UNHRC), and Josh took part in the International Telecommunication Union (UNITU).

This year Hillel was assigned the Republic of Yemen, a small Middle Eastern country. Yemen was an interesting country to represent in the UNEP because, unlike most countries and individuals, it resists efforts in environmental protection.

YUNMUN wasn't easy. It took a lot of preparation and a lot of courage and quick thinking to speak in front of all the people, but after making some new friends and a little bit of time it became fun, exciting, and infuriating. All three days of competition were filled with achdus and friendship, despite all of the competitiveness.

I had a great time at YUNMUN. This was my second and last time competing, but if I could do it again, I would. I hope that Yael, Adina and Josh continue to participate and finally bring home a win. A huge thank you goes out to Mrs. Kraut for her guidance and hard work as our coach all these years. Good luck!

On Shushan Purim, the third grade hosted the Kindergarten and second grade in a hands-on museum where they learned about the mitzvos of Purim.  Third grade worked for weeks to prepare and implement this exhibit.  They began by brainstorming everything that they already knew about the mitzvos of Purim (Mishloach Manos, Mikra Megillah, Matanos L'evyonim, Seudah, and the minhag of wearing costumes).  They listed questions that they could ask to find out more about each mitzvah.  Then they were split into groups, with each group being responsible for one of the mitzvos.  They researched their mitzvos, using resources provided by Mrs. Yolkut.  The groups had the opportunity to consult with a guest expert -- Rabbi Daniel Yolkut.  Each group met individually with Rabbi Yolkut and had in-depth discussions with him about their topic.  According to Rabbi Yolkut, the third graders asked probing and intelligent questions.  They used their information to write a script and film videos to teach about their mitzvah.  Finally they planned a game or activity to do with the younger students, using their mitzvah as the theme.

This all culminated on Shushan Purim with an amazing product when the other classes came to visit.  Each group showed their video and then ran their game with 6-8 different groups of younger students.  What was truly amazing about this process was the extent to which the students took the initiative and ran with it.  Although there was guidance available as needed, for the most part the third graders came up with their scripts and games on their own.  They also took the lead in running the stations for the younger students on Shushan Purim.

When asked afterward, the students enthusiastically agreed that this was an amazing way to learn about Purim.  One student said that he learned much more than with worksheets, because on a worksheet you can just write the answer and then you forget it, but with this activity, he had to really understand and use the information to be able to explain it to the younger kids.                                             

                   Mrs. Yolkut