The Purim holiday marked the last day Manhattan Day School was in session before the pandemic hit, and students and faculty approached the day with brachot of shehechiyanu and briyut, thankful that we made it to this point one year later. Principal Raizi Chechik greeted students and faculty in full costumes as they entered the building on Wednesday brimming with Purim spirit.

The excitement in the air was palpable as the early childhood classes celebrated Purim in every way possible. The children learned the four mitzvot of Purim: mishloach manot, Megilla, matanot l’evyonim and mishteh, then created age-appropriate Megillot and rashanim that they used when they heard the Megilla on the chag. There were special programs every day, from silly hat day on Monday, to a silent disco party on Tuesday, to carnival activities on Wednesday and a Smarty Pants virtual Purim-themed balloon show on Thursday.

Throughout the rest of the school, students visited a COVID-friendly mini golf course set up in the gym/lunchroom. Everyone had a chance to play golf, try their hand at pop-a-shot basketball, test their moves on the Dance Revolution dance board, play air hockey and compete on a giant Connect Four board. Students received “carnival snacks to go” as a parting gift.

At MDS’ satellite site, the excitement continued post Purim as seventh and eighth graders celebrated the chag on Monday with a mix of fun-filled activities. The day kicked off with an entertaining shiur about funny and ironic names of characters in Tanach, a costume presentation, and a game of Haman Hangs (Hebrew Hangman). Then the students, dressed in costumes ranging from animals to ninjas to sports players, enjoyed video games at a game truck, a Minute to Win It challenge, a college bowl, an Escape Room and more.

The Parents Council generously sponsored these memorable events and delivered beautiful black and white mishloach manot to all the faculty and families. It was a Purim to remember.