Batsheva Ishakis - Bais Yaakov (First Place in Poetry)

Pride

Abstract: a poem about the will and power we have to stand up for who we are and our beliefs.

Ariella Leib - Farber Hebrew Day School (Honorable Mention in Poetry)

There Will Always Be People

Abstract: A poem describing the reality of being human (differences in political and religious beliefs and lives) and that rather than fight each other, we should follow our own path and respect each other.

Emily Abrams - Walled Lake Northern High School (First Place in Prose)

Faith and Pride-Lost and Found

Abstract: A biographical piece describing how the darkest moments of the author's life, the antisemitism by her middle school peers that led her away from Judaism and Jewish life, led her to the B'nai B'rith Girls, which led to a stronger connection with her Jewish identity.

Adam Arnold - North Farmington High School (Honorable Mention in Prose)

The Epiphany of the 21st Century Jew

Abstract: A biographical piece on how the struggle to practice Judaism in a virtual capacity due to COVID-19 gave the author the opportunity to grow stronger in his personal and religious life, and led to opportunities to meet other Jews from around the world.