Schechter Shavua: October 3, 2025

Middle School Shabbat Electives: Hands-On Learning and Community Spirit

Once a month, Middle School students at Schechter participate in Shabbat Electives—creative, hands-on projects that bring the spirit of Shabbat to life. From building rotating, interactive bulletin boards to baking and conducting Shabbat-themed science experiments, each group explores Jewish traditions in unique and meaningful ways.

Some students are working in the Scott Shoham z”l Makerspace , crafting beautiful wooden challah boards under the guidance of Schechter graduates Koreen and Maya Shoham , along with Koreen’s husband Colby. Another group is connecting with younger students by designing a special Shabbat experience for the Early Childhood program, reflecting Schechter’s strong commitment to multiage learning. Catch a VIDEO HERE of the science group investigating this question: If you're camping and you forget your candles, which food will burn long enough to say the bracha? 

Throughout the year, we’re excited to watch these projects evolve and see how students express their learning, creativity, and connection to Shabbat.
 

Makerspace Helps Integrate Robotics and Engineering Into Other Classes

The Alimclass is piloting a robotics unit in science class this year. The students will learn about the engineering design process and apply it to build a functional robot and program it. The students started the unit by learning about different types of robots in the world and then split into groups to follow directions to build, Pilot, our robot. Over the next month, the students will learn how to write programs for the robot to follow. 

This unit ties into our school initiative on bringing Makerspace to life throughout the school. While Alim is beginning with integrating robotics in Science classes, Nevatimis bringing engineering and blueprint work into their Judaic Studies unit on sukkot. We look forward to getting all of our students into the Makerspace for integrated units throughout the year!

Click HERE to view photos of Robotics in action
 

Rhythm and Joy in Early Childhood Music Class!

In Early Childhood music classes, students are diving into the exciting world of rhythm and sound through hands-on drumming activities! These interactive lessons are designed to introduce young learners to basic rhythm patterns while fostering listening skills and encouraging them to follow a beat—all in a fun and engaging environment. Students explored a variety of sounds by tapping the drums softly or striking them for a deeper tone. Under Ms. Julie’s guidance, they listened carefully and repeated short rhythm patterns, building confidence and consistency in their drumming skills.

Once the students mastered the basics, they took their rhythms to the next level by playing along to music as a group. During a lively rendition of “Let It Go,” the class followed the beat using the patterns they had practiced, bringing their drumming to life in a musical performance! This activity not only reinforced rhythm but also introduced key concepts like timing, coordination, and teamwork—essential skills for future musical growth. The joy and focus on their faces showed just how powerful and fun music learning can be!
 

“Moshe says goodbye, I say hello!”

Thoughts on Parshat Ha’azinu by Marisa Beede, Schechter's Director of Development

 

Shalom Schechter!

I thought writing about this week’s parshah would be the perfect way to formally introduce myself to this incredible kehillah . I say formally, because I’m privileged to know many of you already – from the halls of Schechter during ReLiSh, serving with my husband Max as advisors for West Hartford USY, or just from around the greater Hartford Jewish community. But if we haven’t met yet, I’m Marisa Beede, and I’m thrilled to have officially started as Schechter’s Director of Development this past Monday. I’m eager to connect with you all, collaborating with faculty, staff, parents, and community members to ensure our Schechter students and families have the resources they need to learn, grow, and thrive. 

But, back to the parshah . At first glance, I should have probably looked more closely at the calendar before I picked this week. Because while I did give myself the shortest parshah  in the Torah, I also gave myself the parshah that includes Moshe Rabbeinu’s final act of leadership: a 70-line poem to the entire community, reminding them of God’s covenant before ascending Mt. Nebo to die. And if you’re also thinking that maybe a farewell address isn’t the best metaphor for an introduction email, I was with you – but hear me out. 

By this point in the Torah, the Israelites have been wandering for 40 years, and they’re right there. God’s promised land is only a few short steps away. And they’ve certainly seen it all – golden calves, broken tablets, building the mishkanand taking this miraculous tabernacle with them on their journey. They’re about as close to figuring out what it means to be in relationship with God as they’re ever going to be, and the training wheels are ready to come off. But Moshe knows he isn’t coming with them, and he wants to make sure that the Israelites don’t forget their roots once they get there. He’s taking this final opportunity to remind the people who they are, what God has done for them, and the lessons he knows will serve them in their new home.

So, where does this leave me? Rather than a goodbye, I’ll use this as an opportunity for a hello! I don’t know that I’m quite as eloquent as Moshe, but please enjoy my version of the (slightly shorter) 70-line poem, about my roots, my values, and what life lessons I hope will serve me in my new home at Schechter.

I’m excited this week to officially start,
This job has been looming so large in my heart!

I’ll start with a little something about me 
And don’t be shy, come tell me if you agree!

Born and raised in LA with my sister and mom,
We all love dogs, and the Dodgers are the bomb!
Public school’s where I started, my mom is a teacher
But we all wished day school was a little more in reach(er).

It’s a big part of why I want to be here,
Making day school accessible, from far or from near.

Then off to NYC, to enroll at List College,
I loved all my adventures and getting more knowledge!

I was dual-enrolled, my workload sometimes hairy,
At Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary.

I studied America and Judaism, history and more,
I love to learn and reading is never a bore.

I lived in the city for almost ten years
And loved every second, never in tears!

In 2016, Max and I swiped right,
Since our very first date, our future’s been bright.

COVID brought us to WeHa, I thought for two weeks.
How wrong could I be, such red on my cheeks!

Five years since we moved, the time has just flown
And my love for West Hartford has only grown.

Our Jewish community is warm and sociable,
I’d have it no other way, a non-negotiable!
 
I love being Jewish, and I love raising dollars
I’m dedicated to all of Schechter’s scholars.

I’m eager to listen, to learn, and to share,
To champion this school with passion and care.

I’ve learned through the years, in each place that I’ve been,
The best conversations start when you’re ready to listen.

To see and be seen, to value each part,
That’s the way to build trust, and a generous heart.

So why come to Schechter, what brings me here now?
In a way it’s bashert, my destiny found.
Max walked these halls as a kid, never shy or quiet.
Just ask Rabbi, he was truly a riot!

Schechter’s core values are my values, too.
From lev tov to chochmah, they guide what I do.

Jewish tradition thrives when we join hand in hand,
Supporting our children, a future well planned.

It takes all of us — parents, teachers, and friends,
To ensure Schechter’s story continues, not ends.

Each gift, large or small, makes a difference we see,
Kulanu b’yachad — that’s community!

Thank you for welcoming me with such grace,
I’m truly delighted to join this great place.

I look forward to learning, to laughing, to knowing,
To planting new seeds and to see how they’re growing.

With joy and with purpose, with heart and with song,
At Schechter together, I know we belong.

So don’t be a stranger, come say hi for kicks,
Shana Tova U’Metukah and a happy 5786!