Parents were holding their children tight, offering hugs and kisses and whispers in ears. They then expressed their care and love through the traditional blessing over the children, recited on erev shabbat. “יברכך ה וישמרך, May God bless you and protect you.” As we recited the ancient words together, and I looked around at the […]
We are approaching the midpoint of the school year and students throughout the upper elementary and middle school grades are in the midst of rigorous learning projects. So, as I walked through classrooms this week students were too busy to notice me. They are working hard and here is some of what they are busy […]
Race was not an issue for me. In the twenty years I have been a Jewish day school educator, the primary identity marker that inspired me was Jewish identity. Nurturing positive Jewish identity in my students continues to be at the core of my educational aspirations, and I have spent a lot of time, thought, […]
The Ulam was filled with students, but it was silent. Everyone was sitting on the floor. The 2nd through 8th grade students and teachers were altogether, some leaning on the wall, others on each other. No one moved, but everyone was busy and deeply engaged. For 33 minutes and 37 seconds this morning the Schechter […]
Elisa, one of our Kindergarten teachers, asked her students, “Which day of Chanukah should we pretend it is?” as she brought out a chanukiah and box of candles. A student suggested the eighth day, and another cheered out an excited, “Yes!”, presumably because more candles are more fun. As Elisa placed the candles into the chanukiah, the Gan […]
“Which interpretation do you think is right, Rashi or Radak?” Samuel looked out at the class, thought for a moment about the question that his classmate had asked, and responded, “I’m not sure,but Rashi’s idea makes more sense to me.” He proceeded to explain why Rashi, the 11th century French Rabbi’s understanding of the words […]
Natan jumped up from his seat in the second grade and rushed over to the white board. He carried his fraction flag in his hand. The rectangular piece of paper was divided into four strips and he had colored each of the strips a different color. Now he was looking at a variety of different […]
For a school to enact its mission it cannot function alone. Successful schools partner with people in the community to pursue their educational aspirations. Over the next few days there will be three different events at Schechter Manhattan reflecting our partnership with others in the community who share our mission. On Sunday, November 20, Schechter […]
On Thursday the 3rd – 8th grade students and faculty gathered for our Veteran’s Day assembly. Each year we take time to be thankful to the men and women who serve in the United States armed forces. Our program this year included singing of the national anthem, reading prayers for the safety of soldiers and […]
A great privilege of my more than ten years at Schechter Manhattan has been watching our students become our graduates. The 5 year olds who join us in Gan grow into self reflective, motivated, thoughtful, accomplished, menschy teenagers. And while I am always sad when our students leave us, I am also super proud of […]
