February 6, 2025

Linking Northern and Central NJ, Bronx, Manhattan, Westchester and CT

Ramaz Spins Into Chanukah

One of the great lessons we’ve had to learn throughout the pandemic is to not take anything for granted. For me, this has been school and sports.

As we emerged from the summer, no one knew what school would look like. Several re-opening scenarios were presented, including remote, hybrid and in-person (all with the caveat that anything can change at a moment’s notice). Although schools did a great job of adapting to remote learning last spring, we all recognized the importance of trying to get back to our buildings and resuming some form of normalcy and routine. We witnessed that as well as virtual learning worked, it lacked the structure of in-person classes and deprived children of the rich social experience at school. For months, administrators worked with regulators, health professionals, educators and other involved parties to make in-person school happen. For my part of the equation—physical education—the hurdles were even greater.

There is an indescribable spirit of tenacity at Ramaz in which settling is not acceptable. We worked hard behind the scenes to not only get school open, but also to think outside the box to accomplish what others previously thought was undoable. And so, an outdoor space was created, equipment was ordered, and a plan was put into motion. There was one thing, however, that I felt would benefit our school: an outdoor spin studio with 26 bikes. But the more I thought about it, the more it seemed impossible. In addition to the exorbitant costs, there was a scarcity of gym equipment, as all of the home-gym equipment quickly sold out when health clubs were closed. Nevertheless, I felt that I had to pursue this idea, especially since most traditional sports activities, leagues and PE classes were cancelled because of strict COVID-19 safety guidelines. Spin seemed like a great way to have structured fitness in a competitive medium that ensured fixed distancing. Also, most students did not have a spin bike at home and would be excited to “spin” at school.

Who did I know who had big aspirations, made his life about dreaming big and is one of the nicest guys I know?

I barely had to pitch it to him before he graciously said “yes.” Just like that, Jeremy Joszef (the director at Camp Morasha where I have worked for the last 21 years) jumped into action and coordinated a loan of Morasha’s spin studio. Before I knew it, 26 professional spin bikes were on their way to the Upper East Side and the new Ramaz spin class was set up and was an instant success. On the first day that students were able to spin at Ramaz the buzz was incredible. One student, Mia Winn exclaimed, “I love it, it reminds me of my Peloton.” Max Grant commented “loved the class, was a great workout. I haven’t been on a bike in months!”

I feel so fortunate that I was able to accomplish this and recognize that it was the direct result of having incredible employers, both at Ramaz and at Morasha, who are always firmly committed to ensuring that our children get the most out of their experiences.

Miriam Cohen is the interim athletic director at The Ramaz School.

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