by Julie Katz
Ezra Academy Board President

When we hear the “Hindsight is 2020” expression, we’ll look back and remember a year of resilience. In 2020, in the face of monumental burdens, Ezra Academy’s teachers and administrators kept the school running smoothly, and our community continued to thrive even as we adapted to a new style of interaction.

We continued favorite Ezra traditions, like our annual Bagel Breakfast, which raised $2,000 for Jewish Family Service in 2020 thanks to parent Joanna Romberg and a great group of Ezra Academy alumni. All of the bagels, salmon and cream cheese bags were assembled outdoors and distributed throughout the community.

Our Hanukkah production debuted via live stream thanks to the creativity and editing talents of our eighth graders. They have written a Hanukkah spoof involving ancient Greeks who not only seek to conquer Judea but who bring the COVID virus to Jerusalem! Of course, the Maccabees win in the end.

This past strange year afforded Ezra the opportunity to launch new traditions, too. We hosted a drive-in movie night, an online discussion on child anxiety, a first-ever virtual open house and parent gatherings across multiple classes.

We discovered that lunch and class outdoors is a treat—and a break from wearing masks. Everyone in the school community has demonstrated incredible flexibility, creativity and patience.

Now, we layer another challenge to the mix of new learning environments, distanced events and ever-expanding technology opportunities. Ezra Academy is embarking on a search for a new Head of School, as Dr. Melanie Waynik is retiring after serving the school for nearly a decade.

With optimism and perseverance, Ezra Academy will continue to incorporate all of the technology we have acclimated to, along with the traditions and heritage we have shared with students and the community for over 50 years. Whether you live in Hamden or Haifa, Milford or Milwaukee, it’s easier than ever to connect with Ezra. We encourage you to join us for an upcoming event or virtual tefillah.

Find out more about Ezra Academy at ezraacademyct.org.