Recognizing the importance of giving while receiving

The month of December brings with it joy, celebration and fun for the students of Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway High School. The eight days of Hanukkah fell early in the month, and students looked forward to lighting the candles of the menorah each night, eating special treats such as potato latkes and sufganiot (jelly donuts), and collecting Hanukkah gifts.

Dec. 3, the first day of Hanukkah, was designated as a vacation day for students to enjoy a long holiday weekend. The  student body was pleasantly surprised to learn that the week would end with Color War activities in celebration of the holiday. Color War is a time that we always look forward to because it gives us a chance to take a break from academics, unwind and have fun with one another.

While HAFTR High helps students recognize the importance of Hanukkah by presenting students with an understanding of the deep history and laws, which accompany the holiday, the students, are provided, at the same time, with a fun-filled atmosphere in which they can enjoy the more joyous aspects of this celebration. It was in this spirit that students were treated midweek to a live concert performed by Jewish singer Mordechai Shapiro. During the concert, students had a chance to dance, have fun and decompress from the rigors of school. 

Before Hanukkah with its theme as a time of giving, HAFTR High School exemplified this spirit with its annual blood drive on Nov. 19. HAFTR encouraged students to donate blood — if they were able — which resulted in a high turnout, as students lined up in the school gymnasium. Although during the holidays many are accustomed to receiving, HAFTR students recognized the greater need to highlight the importance of giving.