From launching business ideas and creating mosaics to volunteering in the community, Schechter’s 7th and 8th graders are discovering new interests and putting their talents to work through EPIC Hour.
At Schechter, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Every Tuesday, our 7th and 8th grade students can step outside their regular schedules and explore something new through EPIC Hour, a program built around four simple ideas: Explore, Play, Imagine, Create.
Offered in five- or six-week mini-courses, EPIC Hour lets students pursue their interests, discover new talents, and learn from Schechter faculty, staff, parents, and community members who share their passions and expertise.
In this session, students explored everything from entrepreneurship and financial planning to ceramics, music, community service, and creative expression.
Turning Big Ideas Into Business Proposals
In Entrepreneurship, led by Mrs. Rozen, students stepped into business development, learning to identify problems, develop solutions, and turn ideas into business proposals.
Students also heard from Schechter parent and business owner Benji Bearman, who shared his firsthand experience running a business.
The course culminated in a Shark Tank-style presentation, where students pitched their business ideas to a panel of their peers and Schechter tzevet (staff) serving as the “Sharks.”
Students came prepared with slideshow presentations, business models, promotional swag, and even product prototypes to bring their ideas to life. Beyond developing their business concepts, they practiced public speaking, problem-solving, and presenting their ideas with confidence.
Learning Through Chesed: The Ark Crew
For students in The Ark Crew, led by Mrs. Honan, EPIC Hour offered a chance to make a direct impact on the community.
Each week, students walked to The Ark, a Jewish human services organization, where they participated in hands-on mitzvah projects supporting individuals and families in need.
The experience gave students an opportunity to put the Jewish value of chesed (acts of loving-kindness) into practice and see how their time and effort could help others.
“I felt proud that I was able to help the Jewish community,” shared Dani ’27
Emily ’28 reflected, “I loved getting to help people in need. I would love to do it again. It made me feel happy.”
For Noa ’27 the experience reinforced the impact of giving back: “I am happy that I was able to contribute to other Jewish people in our community. We really made a difference for these people’s lives.”
Their reflections show how meaningful it can be for students to take what they learn at Schechter and put it into action beyond our school walls.
Finding Creativity, Connection, and Calm Through Zentangle
In Where Does Your Road Lead? Stories, Words & Zentangle, led by Mrs. Harris and Holly Rosenberg, students explored the connection between literature, personal reflection, and creative expression.
Through books, poetry, discussion, and Zentangle, a structured form of drawing, students discovered a creative outlet that encourages patience, flexibility, and perseverance without the pressure of making something perfect.
Student Shoshana ’28 captured the experience in a poem (left) that reflects the welcoming environment students created together.
Something for Every Interest
The range of EPIC Hour offerings reflects the many interests and talents within our Schechter community.
Students interested in art and design explored 3-D Mosaics and Ceramics with Mrs. Redman, learning to work with materials ranging from broken china to clay, creating pieces they could glaze and fire in the kiln.
In Personalization, Mrs. Rubinstein introduced students to Makerspace tools, helping them design and create customized items for themselves, friends, and family.
Students in Financial Planning, led by Money Marty, learned about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing money. They researched stocks, developed personal financial plans, and heard from professionals in the financial field.
In Game Lab, Ms. Versman helped students strengthen their strategic thinking and problem-solving through board games, card games, and puzzles.
Other offerings gave students opportunities to explore different interests and develop new skills:
- Early Childhood, with Ms. Rusch, explored how young children grow and learn through play.
- Inclusion, facilitated by Keshet staff, brought students together with peers from Keshet to plan and participate in activities that build connections and celebrate teamwork.
- Singing Skills, with Mrs. Botnick, focused on vocal technique, musical expression, and the joy of making music together.
Learning Beyond the Traditional Classroom
EPIC Hour is about more than trying a new activity. It gives students opportunities to make choices about their learning, take creative risks, and connect with adults and peers in different ways.
Whether they are presenting a business proposal, discovering an artistic talent, or helping a neighbor through a mitzvah project, students are developing skills and interests that extend far beyond their regular coursework.
At Schechter, we want students to discover what excites them, have the confidence to try something new, and recognize the many ways they can contribute to the world around them. EPIC Hour gives them the time and space to do just that.
