This is the third year that MJCDS has partnered with Edgewood, a Catholic School, and with Madinah Academy of Madison, an Islamic school, to build bridges of friendship between students and faculty through shared learning. 

 

The initiative gives students the opportunity to study and play with children of a different faith.

 

The program included an explanation of the funny hut sitting on the lawn of Temple Beth El, the Sukkah. By the end of the visit, older Edgewood students could explain that the Jewish holiday of Sukkot is about "faith and trust" that the fall will bring a bountiful harvest.

 

All students listened to a story, "Molly's Pilgrim," that dealt with two important themes of both the Sukkot and Thanksgiving holidays: harvest and home. Older students then expanded on the theme of home, learning about different types of both permanent and impermanent dwellings, from army barracks to the yurt. Younger students focused on the idea of harvest, creating art of their favorite fruits and vegetables.

 

When time for snack arrived, MJCDS students blessed the food using the Hebrew beracha, and Edgewood students offered a blessing from their tradition. Some students spontaneously used eating time to ask one another about their differences.

 

"Tell me again, what was that blessing you said?" one Edgewood fourth grader, who attends Camp Shalom, asked a third-grade MJCDS student.

 

Learning and snack were followed by a fall romp in Wingra Park together.

 

MJCDS is grateful to the Edgewood Campus School, in particular to classroom teachers Sue Olsen and Ann James, for their continuing friendship. Students and teachers are already looking forward to seeing their friends again this spring.

Fri. Nov. 4:  Swimming Lessons.  Please pack swim supplies and drop a car seat if you don't already have one at school. 

            Kabbalat Shabbat Together, 1:25 pm.  

 

Wed. Nov 9:  Alfie Kohn Education Lecture and Community Discussion, 7-9 pm see below for details.