March 14, 2024
At Mirowitz, we seek every opportunity to construct knowledge through real-world experiences. So you can imagine how excited we were months ago to learn that a solar eclipse would be visible from Missouri — the last of its kind during our students’ childhoods.
And we are embracing the moment!
Our intention is that they will go home that Monday, April 8, with their eyesight intact (of course!) AND with a robust understanding of our place on the map of the universe.
Leading up to the scientific phenomenon, our team has planned meaningful lessons that integrate science, Jewish studies, social studies and other subjects as well. Students will learn the Hebrew and indigenous names for the phases of the moon, create 3D models, access information from the Israel Space Agency, study midrash about the moon’s size, and consider the Talmud’s instructions that we not bless the eclipse. In PE, younger students will ride a spaceship (mats atop scooters) to the dark side of the moon, and in drama they will act out turning day into night. We will nourish their sense of wonder and connection leading up to a memorable experience on the day of the eclipse. 
Often, lessons have measurable outcomes. An eclipse — the ultimate opportunity for the integration of science and Judaism — has power beyond measure. We look forward to that moment of awe when we say say to ourselves — in the ancient words or in our own:
Mah Rabu Ma’asecha Adonai. How wondrous are Your works, oh God!