Rivka Schafer
Rivka Schafer (they/them) is a member of the class of 2023 at The Idea School in Teaneck, New Jersey. They love art, nature, and activism. Their hobbies include acting, photography, singing, writing, painting, swimming, and gardening. They have been dubbed “the ray of sunshine” by their friends and love to emulate positivity. Their biggest goal in life is to change the world for the better.
Exploring Religious and Sexual Identity through Nature’s Rainbows
Through my work, I hope to inspire others to share their colorful selves with society and create a more welcoming and vibrant world.
Do Not Compare Me to a Summer’s Day
“I am a winter’s night of freezing snow”
Finding Spirituality in Nature
“Sometimes I connect more to God when I am in the forest than when I am in synagogue.”
Toucans in a Tree
"Looking up, I saw two beautifully vibrant toucans."
Catching the Stars
This piece is holding a mirror to display the way you view humanity's relationship with the world.
The Dead Would Be Ashamed
"Past generations would be ashamed of how we are treating each other and the world."
The Struggle of Sexuality
Rivka depicts the mental, physical, and emotional struggles of healing from trauma and homophobia.
Living as an LGBTQ+ Orthodox Teen
“By 8th grade, I was so exhausted from concealing my identity that I publicly shared my sexual orientation on a grade chat. Consequently, that was the loneliest year of my life.”
