Chanukah at Naima JPS

Our week of Chanukah Celebrations kicked off to a bad start as we had to postpone the school concert.  This was due to a power cut that left our school without heating and light – and how could we possibly celebrate the Festival of Lights if the electric ones weren’t working?

Day Two of Chanukah was far warmer, lighter and more successful as Years One and Four took to the stage.  Year One enchanted us all with their sweet singing and beautiful explanations of Chanukah.  They all worked so hard to learn their lines off by heart, and to present them so clearly and fluently.  Year Four impressed us hugely with their amusing yet poignant tale of Yettele’s Feathers, in which they described so adeptly the dangers of speaking Lashon Harah.  A huge handshake to Year Four who performed their play so skilfully and special mention must be made of Sophia Berger for her outstanding rendition of Yettele.

After a cold and foggy weekend, we returned to the warmth and harmony of Reception singing their Chanukah songs with gusto.  This was thoroughly enjoyed by parents and pupils alike, but it was especially appreciated by our very special guests – some of the residents of Edinburgh House.  What a great honour and treat it was for us to have Mr Gus de Mesquita, aged 97, light the Chanukiah for us!

Next came the story of the Chanukah Latkes.  This was beautifully performed by the pupils of Year Three, and told the story of Feivel the Merchant demanding payment from Mendel the peddler for his children ‘stealing’ the smell of his latkes.  The settlement was decided by the Rabbi, who declared that the appropriate payment for the smell of latkes was the sound of Chanukah money jingling in a money bag.   A wise Rabbi indeed!

The week continued with lively, entertaining, well-rehearsed performances from all other classes too, finishing with the two nursery classes delighting us with their rendition of favourite Chanukah songs.  This included I had a Little Dreidel, but these dreidels were not only made from clay, they were also made from rice, bread, soap and a variety of other materials too. 

Chanukah ended with a whole-school doughnut-bake – everyone contributed, from making the dough, frying the doughnuts and decorating them with chocolate, sprinkles and other tasty toppings.

Now we have to wait a whole year for Chanukah to come round again.

9^th December 2010

2^nd Tevet 5771