Purim is a day of great joy for all the children, whatever their religion. Costumes, candy and performances were all part of the excitement. Even the kids fasting for Ramadan took part in the party, saving their sweets for later or giving them away to the film crew there to learn about life in the village. The sixth-graders helped plan the activities, including an obstacle course, an archery contest, a dance space and more. To get into the Purim spirit the classes held a “backwards” day in which the teachers became the students and the students became the teachers.
The student council, together with the teacher, Nadwa, also organized a swap meet for costumes, so that kids could re-use costumes rather than buying new ones for the week of Purim. This was done not only to help families save some money, but as a lesson on ecology, reducing use, reusing and recycling.
The Purim party in the school included a costume show and contest, and a performance with music and a juggler who invited children up to the stage to assist him in his act.
The Spring holidays – Easter, Pesach, and this year, Ramadan – are an opportunity for the children to deepen their understanding of the three religions. Each class learns according to their level, whether drawing pictures of the various symbols, or thinking about what it means to fast every day or refuse to eat bread for a week. But the main message they learn is that holidays can be shared and celebrated together.
Together with the Parents’ Community, the staff planned a small, but meaningful event for the school to honor the three religions. While the world outside is engaged in war, the event was a way to reaffirm the commitment to creating a space in which the three religions can not only live in peace, but share the same stage and sing songs for one another. The families expressed their hope for a peaceful future for all their children. The fourth-graders, who had been learning stories about all three Spring holidays, helped with a dance presented especially for the occasion.
The school Iftar meal is a tradition, and parents and teachers come together to help the children put on this event. This year, four fight-graders took it upon themselves to act as masters of ceremonies for the event, which was held outdoors for the entire school.
Ramadan is a holiday of fasting, but also of special foods for the evening Iftar meal. The Parents Community surprised the teachers with goodies for Purim and Ramadan. The teachers met for an Iftar meal during Ramadan, and the next day they exchanged mishloah manot for Purim.
