On December 25, RYNJ welcomed many mothers and fathers for Career Day. Students enjoyed learning about various professions and industries. RYNJ students listened intently as each parent explained to the class what their job entails. Some parents are very talented occupational and physical therapists, computer programmers, physician assistants, Uber drivers, chemists, lawyers, doctors, surgeons, bankers and community Rabbis. The students of 2b2 had the opportunity to meet RYNJ parent David Fisher, a forensic scientist.

Fisher explained to the boys that a forensic scientist works for the police, judges and lawyers to help them catch the bad guys. He also explained how fingerprints help the police. The students were amazed to learn that each fingerprint has its own unique characteristics. No two are the same. Even identical twins do not have the same fingerprints.

Fisher then explained that a special powder is used to dust for fingerprints. The prints are then “lifted” with a special tape and placed onto a special card. He showed the boys the three different types of fingerprints: Arch fingerprints, which look like a tent; Loop fingerprints, which can be a right or left loop; Whorl fingerprints, which are squiggly circles.

The boys were now ready to get some hands on experience by taking their own fingerprints. Each boy was given an official FBI finger card and ink pad. The boys learned how to take a fingerprint of each finger correctly. To do that, they needed to roll the front and side of each finger. Working with partners, they took each fingerprint and then studied the various lines in them using a magnifying glass.

In the end the boys could easily point out that fingerprints are one of Hashem’s special gifts.