Chanukah may have fallen during vacation this year, but SAR Academy ensured that the magic and joy of the chag filled the school. The SAR community came together to celebrate the simcha and meaning of the chag with vibrant and engaging activities.
The festivities began early, building excitement and anticipation for Chanukah. The 7th grade enjoyed a fun-filled ice skating trip, while the 8th grade participated in a meaningful Extended Family Day, where loved ones joined students to engage in Chanukah learning together. Middle School students brought ruach (spirit) to an epic Maccabiah (color war) as the blue (Eretz Yisrael) and white (Am Yisrael) teams faced off in exciting challenges. Families bonded over sizzling latkes at the first-ever Middle School Parent-Child Latke Bake, led by Mrs. Weiser. Younger students in Nursery 3 hosted a delightful Chanukah Party and the Early Learning Center (ELC) held its own Latke Bake. Grades 1-4 enjoyed a high-energy Chanukah Palooza, and 5th graders participated in Panoply. Students also had a blast participating in games with Digital Dov! Before departing for Winter Break, the entire school gathered for a special “Chanukah” gathering On the Steps, featuring the singing of SAR’s Chanukah song, “When Oh When.”
During the vacation, families continued to embrace the Chanukah spirit with learning resources and activities from the SAR Light Up the Night website. Middle School families also enjoyed daily doses of inspiration through divrei Torah videos created by SAR’s very own Middle School students and faculty.
The excitement didn’t end there. Students returned from vacation just in time to celebrate the 8th day of Chanukah. Students came dressed in creative Chanukah-themed outfits, and joined together for a beautiful musical Hallel On the Steps with the talented Simply Tsfat. The day’s celebrations continued with epic parties, an enchanting ELC Hebrew play, lively chagigot and, of course, delicious donuts—an unforgettable way to end the chag!
As the chanukiyot were gently stored away, the memories created during SAR Academy’s Chanukah celebrations left an enduring glow. The joy, unity, and creativity of this year’s festivities will surely continue to light up students’ hearts for many days to come.
