What started as a pilot program, after Pesach last year, has now become part of the culture and fabric of JEC High School. “Learning happens best when our students are put in the driver’s seat of their own experiences,” said Principal Rabbi Ami Neuman. “Growth, specifically in limudei kodesh, has always come through learners struggling and working cooperatively to analyze texts and ideas.”

Every day, the entire student body spends at least 30 minutes working b’chavruta, preparing for the day’s shiur. With prepared source sheets and guidance from their rebbeim, students collaborate to sharpen their text skills and to deepen their analytical approaches to the Gemara.

“When students work for their learning, they own it and ultimately truly enjoy it,” noted Rabbi Sariel Malitzky, ninth grade rebbe and director of recruitment and student affairs. “I had no idea that learning like this existed in high school.”

Plans for a newly renovated beit midrash are in full swing at JEC, to further enhance this critical learning experience.