Last Monday night, 70 students stayed late after school to attend a Pre-Purim learning program. Choice is a fundamental element of learning, and our students grab every opportunity to choose their areas of interest. These programs afford them that ability. From the halachic aspects of the day, to the historical ones, the boys had a wide variety of topics from which to choose. “I love these programs. I always appreciate the chance to learn about the things that I want to learn about,” said one ninth grade student.

After two shiurim, the students went to daven a truly inspirational Maariv, no doubt coming off their meaningful learning sessions. An amazing Carlos and Gabby’s dinner topped off the first part of the evening. Though it’s no doubt that the learning was the sweetest part, the tasty dinner was a close second.

While the program officially ended at 7:45 p.m., over 30 students wanted more! These young men went downstairs to the beit midrash to participate in a special hasmada program. They learned b’chavruta and heard a shiur from Rabbi Malitzky on the topic of dressing up on Purim. It was beautiful to watch the beit midrash style of learning develop as the boys learned and participated in the shiur at such a late hour.

Just before the masmidim went home, they were treated to sushi platters to round out the memorable night. JEC is confident that all those who joined, experienced Purim on a much more meaningful level!