The past week at Academies at GBDS was filled with learning enhanced by celebrating Chanukah with various in class and school wide activities.

On Monday, students participated in various in-class Chanukah activities ranging from creating stained glass oil jars and candles to enjoying edible snacks. On Tuesday, there was a tremendous outpouring of support and generosity from the school community for Giving Tuesday, the global day of giving charity. The PTO ran a successful Chanukah Treats-n-Toys Shop and students were delighted with all the special Chanukah gifts and delicious cookies they were able to purchase.

The GBDS choir performed live at the Wayne Chabad for the seniors, for the first time in almost two years. The middle school students participated in the Chanukah Better Together program with seniors virtually and delivered holiday cards and gifts to the Senior Center. On Wednesday, the Talent Show returned in person and students were thrilled and delighted to share. On Thursday, the eighth grade students held a candle lighting dedicated to people who bring light into the world—the school’s annual tradition during the week of Chanukah. The day continued with a fun Chanukah carnival led by the eighth graders and concluded with a community menorah lighting on the front lawn of GBDS, with Rabbi Mendy Gurkov leading the ceremony, together with Rabbi Mark and Rabbi Wylen. The choir sang, the menorah was lit, the sufganiyot were eaten and Judah the Lion stopped by. Thank you to Mayor of Oakland Linda Schwager for joining the festivities.