It's a really exciting time in our 8th grade world! As we enter the spring season, BZ 8th graders are gearing up for a series of engaging and enriching experiences that promise to be both educational and memorable.  

One notable highlight is the eagerly awaited Mifgash Chaverim program, an experience they have been looking forward to for years! Mifgash Chaverim (a meeting of friends) brings together BZ 8th graders with twelve 8th graders and two teachers from Kiryat Gat, Israel, for one week. In short, a mifgash is a cultural exchange, but this experience is so much more than that! Mifgash provides an opportunity for our students to interact with Israeli peers and learn more about their culture, history, and way of life. They get to practice and improve their Hebrew as well as gain a deeper understanding of the diversity of Jewish identity. The experience is a transformative one, as students step outside of their comfort zones to build meaningful relationships and share their experiences. To prepare, 8th graders are spending time in Gibush and Hebrew to Zoom with their future friends. 

Behind the curtains, preparations for the Operetta, The Wicked Wizard of Oz, are in full swing. Students are immersing themselves in every aspect of the production, from crafting sets and designing costumes to perfecting their lines. This collaborative effort showcases their creativity and teamwork in a vibrant and dynamic way. We can't wait to see you in the audience in April!

Our students are also deeply engaged in researching and designing climate action projects. With a focus on sustainability and community impact, they are empowered to take proactive steps towards addressing environmental challenges. Previous year's projects have included solar powered inventions, sustainable and recycled houses, vegan bake sales and vegan cosmetics, and we can't wait to see what the class of '24 innovates. 

This week, our students are visited by renowned photographer, Brendan Bannon. Bannon's collaboration with our students on a photography project exploring displacement adds a unique dimension to their learning journey. Through his mentorship, students gain insights into the power of art to raise awareness and advocate for social change. 

In some of their other Humanities classes, students are engaged in the literary worlds of Animal Farm and Lord of the Flies, and participating in class competitions that test their understanding and interpretation of these timeless classics about human nature. These competitions foster critical thinking skills and ignite spirited discussions among peers. They are also beginning the next stage of their term paper process as they delve into drafts. With guidance from their teacher and editors, they have honed their research skills, refined their arguments, and cultivated a passion for scholarly inquiry. 

And last but CERTAINLY not least, the anticipation is mounting as students prepare for an unforgettable Tiyul to explore the rich history, culture, and landmarks of Berlin, Vienna, and Prague. This immersive, Central European Jewish Heritage Tour journey promises to broaden their horizons, deepen their understanding of global perspectives, and create lasting memories. Pretty soon, students and their families will learn more about the itinerary and prepare for that type of extensive travel in Gibush through what we affectionately call Tiyul Bootcamp. 

All in all, it is a pretty exciting time to be an 8th grader at BZ! Each long-awaited experience leads to growth, creativity, and camaraderie amongst the grade. We look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of our 8th graders as they embark on these exciting adventures!