When the public schools dismiss early for quarterly parent-teacher conferences, Nefesh Yehudi Academy begins early so parents don’t have an interruption of their day, and these days are highly anticipated by the students. Long day programs are “fun days” that incorporate many things through the lens of Jewish pride, values and heritage.

Tuesday, December 6, was no exception. The students were visited by Talewise, a company that specializes in STEAM programming through participation and storytelling, to learn about a pirate story exploring physical/chemical changes, the transfer of energy and the water cycle, to name a few.

After the program by Talewise, the students learned about Jean Laffite, a Jewish pirate whose family originated in Spain and lived in modern day Haiti. His Jewish roots were always important to him. He was known as a gentleman pirate since he could speak four languages. He was an American hero and helped General Andrew Jackson defeat the British in the War of 1812 in the Battle of New Orleans. The students were excited to learn the science topics and about the midot of a Jewish pirate.