Tikkun Olam on Display at GOA Club Fair

By Rachel Hyman ‘27 and Kate Breslin ‘27
Golda Och Academy hosted its annual student-led club fair in the gymnasium earlier this semester. This event showcased Golda Och’s enriching and diverse extracurricular activities. 

As the gymnasium was transformed into a bustling center of students, clubs catering to virtually every student interest possible were presented to students with opportunities to get involved. 
For many students, this fair is the first step to discovering one’s interests and talents, and by offering so many vibrant opportunities to students, it encourages them to experiment and see where their true interests lie. In addition, the fair signals the start of a journey that provides students with essential life skills outside the classroom, such as organizing events and managing a budget. 
Juniors Rose Berman and Abby Hodes, co-founders and co-presidents of One Love Club, said that the goal of their club is to, “further educate teens in the community in order to help themselves and others.” 
The One Love Foundation is a national non-profit organization with the goal of ending relationship abuse. The One Love Club empowers young students with the tools and resources required to see the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships. During this club, students participate in role plays and learn terms commonly used in this space. 
Junior Shayne Cytrynbaum, president of the Climate Activism Club, said, “The Climate Activism Club is the perfect place for those who care about climate action and environmental justice. We work in wider coalitions to advocate for federal, state, and local climate policies, and work to engage GOA and the wider Jewish community in climate action.” 
The Climate Activism Club is a Kvutzah (“chapter”) of the Jewish Youth Climate Movement (JYCM). It organizes especially for climate justice, and the club has fundraised over $1,100 to date to support numerous JYCM projects and has planned protests against fossil fuel financing. 
Senior Eliana Finkel, president of Breast Cancer Awareness Club, said, “Every member of BCA learns to have a sense of compassion after being exposed to the harsh reality of what it is like to live with breast cancer.” 
Breast Cancer Awareness Club works toward the dual goal of raising money and spreading awareness for breast cancer. 
While these are only a few clubs showcased during the club fair, none would come to fruition without the dedication and hard work of club leaders who serve as ambassadors for causes they are passionate about. 
These leaders play a pivotal role in uniting our community and creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie for each student. Golda Och Academy’s club fair is not merely an annual event; it’s the embodiment of the value of Tikkun Olam that Golda Och Academy prides itself on and a testament to the school’s commitment to fostering well-rounded students. 
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