Ma’ayanot sophomores delved into debate during their Interdisciplinary Day on Thursday, May 17, which focused on the topic: “Room for Debate: Exploring Contemporary Topics Through Multiple Lenses.” The day, which was organized by Co-Directors of Interdisciplinary Studies Chani Rotenberg, chair of the history department, and English teacher Shalvi Isseroff, began with an activity in which students chose a side on controversial topics such as an assault weapons ban, building a wall on the U.S.-Mexican border or the statement, “I am a feminist.” They discussed their opinions with classmates who agreed with them and then with others who didn’t. Sophomore Ayelet Abenaim said, “It was cool to see who was on which side and what their reasoning was.”

The students then watched a video about communications across the divide, learning to listen to the other side by stepping out of your comfort zone and sharing opinions responsibly on social media. The grade then had breakout sessions with faculty on topics including, “The Gun Control Conflict: Walkout 101” with Ora Schrier, “Looking Back: The Legal Background of Gun Control” with Emma Horowitz, “The Costs and Benefits of Feminism: A Somewhat Personal Perspective” with Leah Herzog, “Becoming a Citizen During the Trump Ban: A New Citizen’s Perspective on Immigration” with Sarah Gordon, and more. The sessions were followed by a Q & A panel with faculty. As sophomore Atara Weil said, “I feel more open to rethinking the other side.”