Mercaz Academy Marches With "Eternal Song of Hope"

Mercaz Academy students, parents, staff, and lay leaders danced up Fifth Avenue at the Israel Day on Fifth Parade. Mercaz showcased their theme, “Our Eternal Song of Hope,” on their t-shirts and their parade banner, both beautifully designed with ancient Israeli musical instruments (and, in the case of the banner, hand-painted) by art teacher Mrs. Danziger. The marchers were led up Fifth Avenue by the fourth-through-sixth-grade members of the student dance troupe, shaking their blue and white pom poms and twirling in a routine choreographed by Sharon Stochel, a former parent, and taught by Assistant Principal Ms. Leeper. 

The Mercaz community marched proudly alongside their fellow Americans in support for Israel, embodying the school’s commitment to Zionism and celebrating Israeli culture and heritage. Beneath Israeli flags flying high, the group hoped that next year's parade might take place during a new dawn of peace and security for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. However, no matter the circumstances, Mercaz Academy will always be proud to both stand and march with Israel.

Not Just a Competition, But a Collaboration

Mercaz Academy’s annual Color Shalom broke out on Lag B’Omer in a shower of colorful confetti, an apt portent of the fun to follow. At Mercaz Academy, there is competition, but no “war.” The four teams, selected with special care to keep all siblings on the same side, are not viewed as enemies. Instead, they are potential collaborators and boosters–in fact, one of the categories in which teams competed was how well they supported and assisted other teams. This year, to honor Yom Yerushalayim’s rapid approach, each team represented a different aspect of the city of Jerusalem: Torah (red), Kindness (white), Peace (orange), and Holiness (blue)... CLICK HERE FOR MORE

The Science of Camouflage: More Than Just a Fashion Statement

Fourth graders have been studying animal adaptations that protect them from predators in science class, and have been particularly impressed by the technique of camouflage. They marveled at photos of stick insects, leaf-tailed geckos that looked exactly like twigs and disappeared against tree bark, as well as arctic foxes whose white winter coats made them nearly invisible in the snow. Mrs. Maliner explained how these clever disguises help animals survive by making them harder for hungry predators to spot.

Sheva Brachot for Morah Tikva

The Mercaz Academy community came together in joyful celebration for a beautiful Sheva Brachot brunch honoring Morah Tikva and her new husband, Ezra. The festive occasion brought together students, staff, parents, lay leaders, and extended members of the Mercaz community to share in this custom, which dictates that newlyweds attend a party each day of their first week of marriage. At each of these seven festive meals, the seven brachot recited under the chuppah are repeated as part of bentching. Students delighted in cupcakes and ice cream while the adults enjoyed an elegant bagel brunch featuring an array of fresh salads and spreads, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere for all ages to participate in this special simcha.

Kindergarten Invites Local Author in Honor of Yom Yerushalayim

In preparation for Yom Yerushalayim–the holiday celebrating the day in 1967 that the Kotel returned to Israeli hands–Kindergarten students listened to a story about the Kotel called The Waiting Wall. The book describes the experience of children visiting the Kotel, a remnant of the most special place on Earth, for the first time. They were excited to hear that the person who wrote that book would be visiting, but quite surprised to learn that the author was already at Mercaz Academy.

Morah Leah Levy, who authored the book before she came to Mercaz Academy, told the Kindergarten students that the story was inspired by her son’s visit to the Kotel at age three. After the students enjoyed a virtual journey to Jerusalem and a brief history of the Kotel, she explained how her idea became a story, which she then sent to a publishing company. Students learned about the collaboration between an author, an editor, and an artist who never met in person, and how cardboard, stitching, and glue turn a story into a book.

The students thanked Morah Levy for her visit, and were inspired by the realization that you can find authors everywhere–even in your own school–all in the context of gaining a deeper appreciation of the Kotel. 

Parshat Behar in the GrowTorah Garden: Shmita

This week in the GrowTorah garden, students learned about the mitzvah of shmita described in Parshat Behar. They discovered that, during a shmita year, farmers in Israel stop working the land, allowing it to rest for 12 months. Whatever grows wild without anyone planting or tending it is free for anyone to pick and eat, especially those in need. Mercaz students reflected on how this mitzvah teaches the values of tzedakah and compassion, imagining how meaningful it would be for someone struggling to know their food supply was guaranteed for such a long time. 

Farmer Menuchah also pointed out that shmita helps strengthen our emunah (trust) in Hashem, since farmers must trust that Hashem will provide enough food during and after the shmita year. It’s a powerful reminder that everything we grow comes from Hashem, and the earth ultimately belongs to Him.