This past week, students at Torah Academy of Boca Raton had the unique opportunity to hear from Mrs. Gitty Zeines, affectionately known as “Gitty Zee.” Mrs. Zeines shared her remarkable life story, marked by perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering positive outlook. Despite being born with physical challenges and losing her sight completely at the age of 11 due to a car accident, she refused to let these obstacles define her. Instead, she embraced her circumstances, attended mainstream schools, and now works for an agency that supports individuals with special needs.
Mrs. Zeines delivered a powerful message to the students: life’s challenges are opportunities for growth and achievement. Her personal motto, “I can—it might take me longer, or I might have to do it differently,” resonated deeply, inspiring students to view difficulties as stepping stones rather than barriers.
During her engaging presentation, Mrs. Zeines demonstrated adaptive tools that assist her in daily life, such as Braille typesetting and the AIRA device—a service that connects her with live assistance through her phone to help with navigation, reading menus, and more. She also discussed her book, Many Ways to See, which offers insights into her unique perspective on life.
Students were eager to ask questions, curious about how she navigates the world without sight. Mrs. Zeines responded with warmth and honesty, leaving a lasting impression with her resilience, gratitude, and unwavering belief in her abilities.
Her visit was both uplifting and motivational, reminding everyone that with determination, creativity, and the right mindset, no challenge is insurmountable. More importantly, Mrs. Zeines’s story highlighted the power of emunah and bitachon—the deep belief that Hashem gives each person the exact circumstances they need to fulfill their unique mission. Her unwavering faith serves as a powerful lesson: true strength comes from trusting in Hashem’s plan, even when the path is difficult to see.
Torah Academy of Boca Raton is a Yeshiva with preschool, elementary, and separate boys’ and girls’ middle school divisions, serving approximately 840 students this year. For more information, visit www.torahacademybr.org or call 561-465-2200.
