Schechter Queens

Today we held a special assembly for our middle school students in memory of the fifth Prime Minister of Israel- Yitzhak Rabin. The virtual program was led by Morah Esty Navon, along with her 6th grade students. It began with a candle lighting ceremony which was followed by a performance about the life of Yitzhak Rabin. The program concluded with a video that highlighted all of Rabin’s accomplishments. Shabbat Shalom.

After much anticipation, the second grade received their Siddurs this week in four separate virtual celebrations. The students performed for their families who watched and cheered remotely. This was an exciting time for our second graders as they reached this milestone in their Jewish education. We look forward to celebrating all of our students’ accomplishments in the years to come. Traditionally, Siddurs are given out to the first grade at Schechter Queens, a ceremony which was cancelled last year due to the pandemic.

This year, the 8th graders will be participating in a program called Names, Not Numbers. This program will allow the students to record an interview with a Holocaust survivor to memorialize their story. This is an opportunity for students to not just learn about the Holocaust, but become historical journalists. Students will be completing the entire interview process from composing interview questions to conducting the interview, to learning how to use filming and editing equ...ipment. This program is so important for our 8th graders because it is an opportunity that future generations will not have. Last Friday, our students attended the start of the Names, Not Numbers program. This began with a special speaker from the organization and an emotional and moving video presentation. The program ended with Dr. Rafi Kalman speaking to the students about their responsibilities in this program and inspiring them in what will most certainly be a year they will never forget.

Our 3rd grade students have been studying forces in Mrs Bieler’s Science class. They studied pushes/pulls and balanced vs. unbalanced forces. Yesterday, they put their learning to use with a bang! Using rubber bands they asked, Can we apply enough force to explode a watermelon? As we witnessed this afternoon....yes, we can! This was a great opportunity for our students to see Science in action with a hands-on experience....and it was a lot of fun too! Kudos Mrs. Bieler! We can’t wait to see what you come up with next!

All smiles in the Sukkah! This week all our students enjoyed performing the mitzvah of shaking the lulav and etrog and snacking in the Sukkah!

Today our 5th, 6th, and 8th graders spent time celebrating Sukkot in the Schecter Queens Sukkah!

Wishing everyone a relaxing Shabbat and a lot of joy as we welcome Sukkot! Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach

Today our students participated in the mitzvah and tradition of Kaparot! It is important in this time of Aseret Yamei Teshuva, the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, to give back to our community. Each student was given the opportunity to perform the Kaparot rituals by bringing in Tzedakah to donate. Our Tzedakah is going to Masbia, a non-profit soup kitchen, and food pantry. We are proud of our students for helping the less fortunate by participating in today’s Kaparot rituals. Gmar Chatima Tovah and Shabbat Shalom

A brand new year bringing new opportunities. May you have a sweet new year. Shana Tova from Schechter Queens

We are taking the opportunity the warm weather offers by bringing learning outside for students to get fresh air and more space throughout the day! The new tent gives us an awesome new classroom location and space for everyone to play

We're beginning to welcome in the chagim by blowing the shofar and singing! While Shorashim was spreading smiles singing, Rabbi Tomsky captivated students as he blew the shofar throughout the classrooms

Todah Rabah to alumni parent, Cherryl Kovarsy, for painting this beautiful mural! This new art installation is proudly displayed in the first floor hallway at Schechter Queens! Check it out:)

We are thrilled to have finished a successful first week at Schechter Queens! Looking forward to the rest of the year ahead filled with learning and fun! Shabbat Shalom