Mazal tov to Ethan V. on winning first place in the Jerusalem Science Contest 2023-24! Ethan put much time and effort into this year’s topic, neuroscience. He took a series of eight exams on the science topic and its Judaic relevance. He then submitted an amazing research project entitled “Chords for the Cortex: Music Therapy to Heal Neurodegenerative Diseases and its Judaic connection.” His project was partially inspired by his own experience volunteering and playing music for the elderly.

“I decided to participate in the competition as I was especially intrigued by how music affects the human brain,” he said. “I learned a lot about advanced brain function and am excited to present my research in Chicago.

Congratulations as well to Honorable Mention Winners: Eliana F., Hila S., Sarah M., Ayumi S., and Eliana Y. Says Ayumi, “I really enjoyed the competition because I felt that the information we were learning was both incredibly interesting and it also ended up being very relevant in many of my classes and conversations that I’ve had since. The fact that I won anything at all was beyond me and I am incredibly grateful for the experience.”

As first prize winner Ethan receives a $1,000 cash prize and a 4-Year JCT Lev Academic Center Tuition Scholarship, as well as an eight-day trip to Israel in May incorporating Torah and Science. Ethan will be traveling to Chicago to present his research project at the Walder Science labs on March 18.