The Gemara writes אין אדם לומד אלא ממקום שלבו חפץ, a person learns best when studying material that their heart desires, material that they enjoy and feel connected to. One of the many ways that TABC strives to inspire students outside the classroom setting is through the Scholars Program, led by Rabbi Shaya First and Ms. Cary Riker. Throughout their ninth and 10th grades, scholars students are taught research skills and are challenged to use them to explore a topic of their choosing. In addition, students hear from special guest lecturers and take biyearly trips. Recent trips have included the National Museum of Mathematics, the Morgan Library and Museum and “The Golden Path,” a recent exhibit about Maimonides at the Yeshiva University Museum.

This past week, Sophomore Scholars Eli Siesser, Eli Schwartz, Eli Hochberg, Nati Fischman, Eitan Goldsmith, Yitzy Sulimanoff, Zachy Maron, Nate Cuttler, Koby Kilimnick and Micky Cyrulnik each chose a topic that they felt passionate about and began their journeys of exploration. The wide array of topics students chose includes:, “How does music affect the brain?,” “To what extent can NFL teams use data to develop effective goaltending strategies?,” “What relationship can be found between the consumption of fast food and obesity?” and more.

When asked to describe their experiences thus far in the program, the students express enthusiasm. “TABC’s Scholar Program has strengthened my research ability by allowing me to dive into an interesting topic of my choice,” remarked Eli Schwartz. “It’s really cool and fascinating to take a topic that isn’t really studied in school and do individual research. The Scholars Program also allowed me to develop my reading and text analysis skills,” added Eli Seisser. The TABC Scholars look forward to sharing their research with the community on Scholars Night, in May 2025.