The middle school at Moriah enjoyed an unbelievable week of Chanukah celebrations! The students started off Thursday with an inspiring chagiga with Joey Newcomb where they celebrated the chag, danced until our feet hurt and sang our hearts out for Acheinu in Eretz Yisrael. The annual Chanukah Chinese auction also began, where students were given the opportunity to buy tickets for the unique prizes offered by the teachers with all proceeds going to tzedakah. On Friday, students faced off in two exciting competitions. The first was the Sufganiyot Showdown where students made their own mini donuts, decorated them and presented them to the judges. Moriah also held the annual boys and girls 3×3 basketball tournaments that concluded with each winning team playing against Moriah faculty. The female staff dominated their matchup while the male staff game ended with an overtime tie as it was time for Mincha.
In keeping with Moriah tradition, Monday saw the return of Cafe Chanukah and the ever popular “sevivon” video. Middle school students sat alongside the students in the younger grades, enjoying the movie, treats, songs and a Chanukah Shoots and Ladders game created by the b’not sherut. Following Cafe Chanukah students competed in the Chanukah Chidon round robin tournament where students showed off their knowledge of Chanukah and other yediyot klaliot. Unbeknownst to the students, the points earned during the Chanukah Chidon counted for this year’s Grade Games competition, which was announced that afternoon. Tuesday saw the hallways bursting with white (grade 6), yellow (grade 7) and blue (grade 8) decorations, and the classrooms filled with laughter as students faced off in our sibling showdown, attempted to break Chanukah world records, played Chanukah-themed See Run Build and Hide’n’Seek, and the gym was alive with Maccabee Madness relay races and other competitions. Grade Games came to a close with each team’s presentations of divrei Torah, hallway designs and cheers hoping to earn victory. When the scores were finally announced, grade 8, team blue, defended their title from last year and achieved the rare accomplishment of winning Grade Games twice in their Moriah careers.
On Thursday, the last day of Chanukah, Moriah Middle School students brought the spirit of giving to life with a special Chanukah auction, featuring unique and exciting prizes created by their teachers. From “Challah Baking with Morah Chani” to a “Hotdog BBQ Lunch in the Snow with Rabbi E,” the students eagerly bid on their favorite experiences. Their enthusiasm and generosity shone brightly, raising over $600 for the Evan Levy Fund. The event combined holiday joy, creativity, and a meaningful cause, making it a memorable way to end the celebration of Chanukah and community!
Each night of the chag, classes ended early to gather for Maariv, a dvar Torah, candle lighting and Maoz Tzur. In addition to Moriah’s amazing in-school activities, Rav Adiel and Yonit Mhazri hosted Chanukah parties for the 8th grade, and the 7th grade boys traveled to Rabbi E’s house in Monsey for a Chanukah chagiga filled with delicious potato kugel, inspiring divrei Torah from Jonathan Blumstein and music and song with Alex Davidovitch on the keyboard. There is no doubt that Chanukah 5785 will go down in Moriah history as a most memorable and fun-filled chag.
