Rafi Ozarowski, Grade 12

A Free Period at the Academy

An earsplitting bell signals the conclusion of math class. I exit my classroom, sauntering down the stairs to Mincha, the second prayer service of the day. As my classmates and I wait for a Minyan, a group of ten men, we discuss the math test we had just completed. Davening begins: our collective Kavana, or spiritual concentration, is practically palpable. After a focused Tefilla, or prayer, I walk up the stairs to my locker and grab homework.
Wandering into the school library, I attempt to read my physics textbook. I immediately recognize my lack of concentration after only completing a few pages. Instead, I decide to take a leisurely stroll through the square hallways of the Academy with a friend. Chatting about mostly trivial matters, we complete five laps around the square before we even know it.

We finally reach Dr. Phil’s office, hopelessly allured by the delicious smell of popcorn with a touch of butter. The room emanates an aura of comfort and acceptance, welcoming students and teachers alike. The calm strumming of acoustic guitar soothes me, and I am highly tempted to lie down on the couch and take a brief nap. Resisting the urge, I relax for about ten minutes, and depart yet again for the library. 

I park myself at a table with friends, and we work together to complete a physics worksheet for class. A lone ray of sun hits me in the face, and I suddenly decide that today is far too beautiful a day not to go outside. I toss around a Frisbee with a companion, and we enjoy the sunshine until the end of the period.

This simple free period demonstrates two of the most important aspects of the Academy: Torah and community. The Academy is a community where students can bond with each other and feel at home. Ida Crown students come together to form a collective family, together conquering the obstacles of high school with the guidance of the Torah. Overcoming academic and social barriers, they support one another and create a strong, tightly knit web of friendship and kindness.