Middle school faculty at JKHA came up with a complete schedule of Shabbat prep to keep students and faculty connected as they prepared for Shabbat. All of the programs took place over Zoom, but were a great way for students to come together with their teachers during this time at home. Beginning on Thursday evening, Director of Judaic Studies of JKHA Middle School Rabbi Feit gathered a number of his sons together in his kitchen to lead a cholent cooking demonstration. At the end of the demonstration he revealed the secret ingredient that is needed to make a perfect cholent—Shabbat! On Friday, faculty member Mrs. Zeif and Middle School Student Activities Director Mrs. Gantz led a division-wide challah bake where students learned how to make the dough, make a bracha and braid their creations. The week wouldn’t be complete without “Parsha and Pops,” which was done virtually last week. Parsha and Popcorn To-Go or familiarly called “Parsha and Pops” is usually given out in middle school each week to enjoy at the Shabbat table. Students can share the moral dilemma, parsha riddle, Torah teasers, and Parsha and Pops question with their families. After a week-ending wrap up from Middle School Principal Mrs. Ariel Levenson, middle school joined together with lower school and high school for a school-wide kabbalat Shabbat. After a week of adjusting to new normals, students appreciated the opportunity to come together.