Shalhevet’s decision to close its lower schools brought a swift and varied response from students and staff, and continues to rock the Shalhevet community.

“I couldn’t believe that it was actually happening,” said eight grader Hannah-Leeba Ellenhorn of her first reaction upon hearing the news. “It is my fourth year at Shalhevet and hearing the news was heart breaking. Shalhevet is like my second home and when I heard the news, I felt like someone in my family just passed away.”

Some teachers, such as middle school History teacher Mrs. Ilana Zadok, have already worked out where they’ll be next year, but that doesn’t mean that the transition will be easy.

“I’m going to miss the warmth,” said Mrs. Zadok, who is moving to Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy. “The best part is that teachers and students alike enjoy being here.”

Other teachers, like Rabbi Michael Abraham, are unsure of their future.

“I want to keep on teaching and making kids feel special,” he said, “but the long-term plans, I just don’t know.”

Rabbi Abraham, who has been teaching at Shalhevet for four years, said he’s worried about how students will integrate into their new environments. 

“After hearing, I first thought about the kids,” said Rabbi Abraham. “I realize that some kids will go to public schools, but how will the others fit in at other Jewish schools? This school has changed so many kids. When they go back, will they be lost?”

Mr. Jonathan Gilbert, Assistant Principal of the middle school and head of its math  department, said he will sorely miss the connection he has with his students.

“I love everything about the kids,” Mr. Gilbert said. “I love their energy, their innocence, and their playfulness. They start singing, and doing funny things, and they just don’t get embarrassed.”

 Many students grew nostalgic at the impending close.

“Since my first day in Shalhevet, I was accepted for who I am, and since then, I’ve made amazing friends that will hopefully last forever,” said eighth grader Maya Ben-Shushan. “Even though Shalhevet is closing, it doesn’t mean that my memories will ever fade.”

“Everyone is nice here,” said third grader Chen Zrihel. “Even the teachers are nice. No other school is like this.”

Some aren’t ready to give up hope yet: a group of parents has joined together to try and salvage the middle school, in practice, if not in name [see story page 3].

“It takes so much time, so much effort, so much frustration and energy and joy to develop a school, and there are so many children who are enjoying and benefitting from it, that it is just a complete shame,” said Dr. Jerry Friedman, President Emeritus and founder of Shalhevet. “It’s Pesach time now, and I’m hoping for a miracle that will allow us to salvage these schools.”

By this week, the emotional climate at Shalhevet had stabilized somewhat, though a grim attitude remained. A lingering sense of sadness and sentimentality seemed to hang about the school: high school students were casting longing glances around the halls, pictures and collages about Shalhevet were hanging up on the school walls, and teachers and students were taking pictures together. For the most part, understanding and acceptance was setting in, while the initial grief and shock are starting to wear off.

“I thought that it was unfortunate,” said junior Nathan Rivani, who attended Shalhevet Middle School, “but if it is for the greater good of the overall Shalhevet community, then they must get rid of it.” 

“Although I am still very sad about the closing of the Middle, Elementary, and ECC Schools, I understand the circumstances that made the school make the decision,” said Hannah-Leeba.

Staff Writer Colleen Bazak also contributed to this story.