"Nahafoch hu!" Just the opposite!
"It's Adar! Be happy!" That is the true sentiment floating through our classrooms. As we learn, a definite cheeriness abounds as we share jokes (it is the month of Adar!), dance, and sing festive songs celebrating our reprieve from the evil Haman's dastardly plan.
All week in Judaic studies classes, our students joyously prepared for Purim. The 1/2 class learned some of the actual text of Megillat Esther (the book of Esther) in addition to the prayer additions placed within the morning Amidah prayer.
Our 3/4 class likewise learned Megillat Esther passages while preparing a Hebrew reading of the Purim story.
Our K class became familiar with the Purim characters and with all four Purim mitzvot in order to actual accomplish them on the 14th of Adar.
Students brought in extra tzedakah (charity), helped in an assembly line process to create mishloach manot (gifts of food for our friends), and read selections from the megillah for their classmates.
They also listened to part of the megillah read by our friend Lily Nagy-Deak, who used her voice to make the the characters of Esther, Haman and Achashverosh come alive for our students. Todah Rabbah to Lily!
Students also had a special seudah (meal) that added further gladness to an already festive
day. With round robin morning activities that included writing, reading, art, movement and song, our MJCDS students celebrated Purim in high style.
We hope all of you enjoyed your Purim and had the opportunity to eat your favorite flavor of hamantaschen!
-Meisha Leibson
Clearly MJCDS students 
