When longtime Judaic studies teacher Rabbi Michael Morgan retired earlier this school year, the department faced a challenge that went beyond scheduling. For nearly two decades, Morgan had been a mentor, scholar, and guide – the kind of teacher whose presence shaped the entire program.

“Morgan is just irreplaceable,” said Rabbi Ari Vernon, who now teaches several of Morgan’s former classes. “He had such experience and knowledge that are big shoes for anyone to try to fill.”

Rather than hiring a quick replacement, the Judaics department decided to take on his classes together, a move that required cooperation, sacrifice, and long hours. Teachers stepped up, balancing additional sections while trying to maintain the quality of learning students were used to.

“Six classes are manageable,” said Judaic Studies teacher Katherine Herman. “But teaching seven with only one off period has really pushed my executive function to its limit.”

Despite the heavier workload, Herman said the decision to take on more responsibility came from a place of deep respect and gratitude. She credits Rabbi Morgan for inspiring her to become a teacher in the first place.

“Knowing it was for Rabbi Morgan made it all very doable,” Herman said. “He’s the whole reason I’m a teacher. He took a chance on me when I started here in 2009. I owe him my career.”

The department’s collaboration has strengthened in his absence. Teachers have worked hard to ensure that the structure and curriculum of Morgan’s classes remain consistent, even with different instructors.

“We’ve really come together because we’ve had to,” Vernon said. “Everyone is carrying extra weight, but we’re making sure that learning continues smoothly for the students.”

Still, the emotional impact of Morgan’s departure lingers in the halls. His colleagues describe his absence as both professional and personal, leaving a gap that can’t easily be filled.

“It just feels strange not seeing him in the hallway,” Herman said. “We all miss his wisdom and the way he could make any text come alive.”

For ninth-grade Judaic Studies teacher Rachel Silton, the loss is felt daily. “He’s been here my entire time at the school,” she said. “If I ever needed to find a text or a source, I could go straight to him. He always knew where it was.”

Looking ahead, Herman will be taking over the rest of Rabbi Morgan’s classes for the remainder of the school year, while middle school history teacher Caryn Mackoff will be moving up to high school to teach Herman’s 10th-grade classes. “If I can embody even half of the intellectual curiosity and joy for learning that he brought to our classrooms,” Herman said, “then I’ll have done my job.”