Schechter Shavua: May 9, 2025

Schechter Grad’s Documentary is Making a Splash

Eitan Ehrlich (2016)discovered his passion for creativity and visual storytelling in middle school at Schechter, where he created a photo portfolio for his 8th-grade graduation. Now a cinematographer and editor at the Hartford Film Company, Eitan leads visual planning for commercials, works with digital editing software, and enhances films as a colorist.

For his senior capstone project at Emerson College, Eitan created and starred in a documentary about his family’s experience with Parkinson’s Disease and his triathlon training as a form of healing. He explains, “since Parkinson’s is often seen as a movement disorder, I wanted to use movement as a visual motif in my film.” We are excited that Eitan will return to his roots -- the Schechter auditorium -- on May 29th at 7:30pm, for the Greater Hartford screening of Live. Ride. Cure.

Eitan credits Schechter’s creativity-infused education, from language studies to Judaic curriculum, for inspiring his engagement in both art and faith. He still treasures the Passover Haggadah he created in third grade, a reminder of the creativity that shaped his Jewish identity. We are so proud that as an adult Eitan has built upon the core values he learned at Schechter!

Which Melts Faster: Ice or Plastic?

Anafim’s (grades 1-2) study of the scientific method continues this week as each student conducts their own experiment, then tests their hypothesis. The previous issue of the Schechter Shavua outlined the interdisciplinary nature of this unit: using both the scientific method and Jewish studies to provide a unique and meaningful lens—Jewish prayers over food and nature.

Some experiments measured which is faster: a remote control car or a person. Another one investigated which flavor lollipop is easiest for people to identify when eating blindfolded? Jonah asked, which melts faster when held in a flame- an ice cube or a plastic fork? Students were surprised to learn the outcome of Jonah’s experiment about melting points: it turns out that a plastic fork actually melted more quickly than an ice cube!

In Judaic Studies, students will connect different brachot to each of their science experiments. Only Schechter provides this level of student-centered learning that connects scientific exploration with a love of Judaism!

From Morocco to Schechter: Celebrating Mimouna Together

As part of our celebration of diverse global Jewish traditions, our fantastic Hebrew teaching team helps Schechter mark Mimouna each year. Mimouna is a holiday celebrated by Jews from North Africa—especially Morocco—and has become a national holiday in Israel. It marks the end of Passover and the return to eating hametz, with a focus on hospitality and sharing meals with neighbors.

During Mimouna, it’s traditional for hosts to leave their doors open to welcome guests. In this spirit, students decorated their classroom doors with a hamsa and a sign reading, “Welcome – בְּרוּכִים הַבָּאִים וּבְרוּכוֹת הַבָּאוֹת,” then kept the doors open to invite other students in. As they worked on their decorations, students enjoyed traditional Moroccan Mimouna music.

After returning from Passover vacation, the Hebrew teaching team prepared classic Moroccan Mimouna desserts—mofleta and bahrir—which were then served to students during lunch along with mint tea and dates the following day.

Click HERE to see more photos!

Our 8th graders have returned from Israel, but their experiences live on in their hearts -- and on our blog!

Check out the blog to learn about their travels!

8th Grade vs. Faculty Basketball Game

It's a rite of passage that every Schechter middle schooler looks forward to: the 8th grade vs. faculty basketball game! Just before they left for Israel, the teams faced off. Commentary, interviews, cheers, dancing, and signs made it a festive occasion for all!