November 29th, Chanukkah is Here!

It was so wonderful to celebrate Chanukkah with our students this week. Before our school-wide candle lighting and Chanukkah celebration, our students took time in each of their classes to discuss the Chanukkah story and its resonance today.

Adira's class discussed the article "8 Nights, 8 Jewish Values: Reflections for Chanukkah on the Jewish Obligation to Build a Better World" by Sarah Hurwitz. They connected their learning of middot and mitzvot to the story of Chanukkah. Selah shared some of his thoughts "I wonder what happened to Antiochus to make him hurt the Jews and be so violent," While Javi recognized "Perseverance is a theme that is present in the Chanukkah story."

Arielle's class focussed on the idea of tradition. They participated in an interactive slideshow about Jewish traditions and blessings--including some Fiddler on the Roof! Anna had many ideas to share about tradition within her own family, while Sam had an interesting take on individual traditions that he had developed for himself.

Grace's class focused on the Hebrew letters inscribed on the dreidel (nun, gimel, hay, shin) and practiced them by forming the letter shapes out of pipe cleaners. They then discussed the meaning of the acronym Nes Gadol Haya Sham (A great miracle happened there). Afterwards Rafi taught the class how to play with a dreidel and the class played a few lively rounds of dreidel.

Tali's class practiced their hand motions for the Chanukkah blessings and they talked about what the story of Chanukkah can teach us. One student discussed their experience with bullying at school and how they can learn from the Chanukkah story about standing up for oneself.

After these wonderful conversations, the entire Seekers school gathered together for a Chanukkah celebration. Rabbi Elster taught the students about how we light the candles, and we sang the Chanukkah blessings.

Then Grace led a session of dance and song with some of our favorite Chanukkah classics: Ma'otzur and Al HaNisim. We finished up the celebration by doing a round of a song that Grace taught us called "Lots of Latkes." You can watch our students perform "Lots of Latkes" here.

As we said goodbye students were given sufganiyot (donuts) to munch as a Chanukkah treat on the way home. We hope everyone has a Chanukkah full of light and joy, and we cannot wait to see you all next week!

L'hitraot and Chag Sameach!