Many 8th and a few 7th grade students attended a new Gemara-based competition from Talmud Israeli. Like Torah Bowl, the students competed as teams against other area schools, this time at Westchester Day School. Our students prepared several dapim of Masechet Bava Batra as presented by Talmud Israeli, and also studied several decades of Israeli history. Our students enjoyed a beach-side barbecue lunch and received sweatshirts and other SWAG. Yashar kochachem to Shoshana S. and Alex M., who represented Ramaz in the lightning round.

Juniors were honored to welcome musicians Sae Hashimoto and Brandon Ilaw who were wonderful. They explored various aspects of percussion ensemble and solo playing with a fascinated audience of Ramaz students. For some, this was the first up-close introduction to many of the instruments used. The music was beautiful and the musicianship at a very high level...

The French Culture Club had the honor to host David, the French proprietor and creator of Gourmandises de France, the only Kosher, parve, French patisserie and cafe on the Upper East Side....

Seventh and eighth grade public speaking students visited Regis High School to meet with Mr. Eric DiMichele, the renowned debate coach whose teams have won 29 out of 34 national debate championships. Regis is ranked as the number one Catholic boys high school in the nation. Mr. DiMichele explained the various types of debate and discussed the passion, commitment and work ethic required to win championships. Most of all, he encouraged Ramaz students to just "do it", get involved with debate and to learn by doing instead of waiting because you think you're not good enough. Ramaz students watched several Regis debaters in action and were impressed with their knowledge about history and current events and their professionalism with oratory and debate. The afternoon gave Ramaz students a chance to see excellence in action. We thanked Mr. DiMichele and his students for their time, talent and encouragement.

Shushan Purim was a real "vnahafoch hu" as students traded their sweaters and ties for costumes and masks. The Purim energy was felt throughout the building with faculty, students, and even staff arriving in costume. The administration came prepared in their full Star Trek Regalia! Inflatables and games were all over the gym and auditorium. In addition, there was a photo booth for everyone to capture their crazy costumes. The day ended with a G.O. assembly with a special R.A.M edition of Jeopardy, a Purim Shpiel, and the annual costume contest. To view photos...

Ramaz loves to take advantage of our cultural backyard! Upper School students went to the NY Philharmonic to see Jaap van Zweden conduct Brahm's First Symphony. For some, this was their first time at an orchestral concert. Thanks to the Martin and Susan Sanders Family Foundation for Classical Music Enrichment at Ramaz for making the trip possible.

The Women's History Month celebration continued with lessons in Judaic and General Studies classes, technology, and PE with focus on an author, entrepreneur, biblical scholar, Olympian...For photos...

Ramaz delegation to AIPAC this year was 21 delegates. Along with 18,000 other pro-Israel American civilians and lawmakers, students had the opportunity to hear from many powerful speakers on topics ranging from Iran's nuclear capabilities, to the growing BDS movement on college campuses, to Congress' role in determining American foreign policy and distributing military and economic aid to Israel. Students also were exposed to many important Israeli start-up businesses and initiatives and had the opportunity to hear inspiring and empowering messages from people including Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Israeli leader of the Blue and White Party Benny Gantz, Senators Chuck Schumer, Tammy Duckworth, and James Risch, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and had the chance to meet Ambassador David Friedman! For more on this important activism experience...

Environmental Club and Ms. Haham's Hebrew class united and were happy to host the Halachic and Environmental expert, Mr. Hody Nemes as a guest speaker. Mr. Nemes was an Environmental scholar at Yale University and is currently a Rabbinical student at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah who spoke about the significance of climate change and preserving and maintaining our planet in both Hebrew and English...

Hakarat Hatov to the Spodek family who donated a traveling sefer Torah for Upper School students to use outside of school. Junior retreat kicked off with a memorable Hachnasat Sefer Torah that starting with writing the last few letters of the Torah and ended with dancing it to the bus headed to the retreat. Junior Retreat 2019 was one for the record books. It started at the Funplex and enjoying the amenities at the beautiful Bushkill Inn and Conference Center. After dinner faculty introduced the theme "The Big Picture," on how to think beyond ourselves by sharing some of their personal experiences. Shabbat was brought in, celebrated, and ushered out with tremendous ruach, singing and dancing. To view a video and photo album...