Just as the Thanksgiving weekend was ending, the festive holiday of Chanukah was beginning. No one felt the spirit of the chag more than the students and faculty at SAR High School.
After a meaningful Shacharit featuring powerful renditions of Hallel, faculty and students gathered together to celebrate Chanukah at the schoolwide chagiga. The event kicked off with a spectacular Benny Friedman concert sponsored by the SAR HS Parent Association.The excitement in the air was palpable. The gym was filled with singing, dancing and lots of ruach led by the seniors, who did a great job of engaging their peers in the spirit of the holiday.
“You could feel the students’ passion and gratitude for being able to dance on our brand new, beautiful gym floor after nearly a two year hiatus,” said Director of Student Activities Amanda Klatt. “It was such an uplifting experience, and we felt like we were truly back home.”
“Students and faculty dressed up in Chanukah attire and their favorite Sting wear to ring in the chag,” added Assistant Principal Rabbi Danny Kroll. “There was a tremendous feeling of celebration and joy.”
During the concert, some students and faculty packed Chanukah gift bags for the Riverdale Hebrew Home residents to help bring joy to others throughout the eight days of Chanukah.
In continuing a long-standing SAR tradition of lighting Chanukah candles together, the day ended with a schoolwide Mincha and candle lighting program led by senior Mira Rosovsky of Stamford, followed by Maariv.
“When I looked up and saw everyone gathered together, I really felt the SAR community uniting for Chanukah,” says Mira. “I’m grateful that SAR gave me a way to connect to Judaism through my passion for music.”
On Tuesday, the Chanukah fun continued with a lunchtime doughnut bar, also sponsored by the SAR HS Parent Association. Students watched as sufganiyot were made from scratch before their eyes and chose toppings and fillings to create their own unique versions.
Throughout the week, the students enjoyed many different activities designed to bring joy and celebrate the holiday of lights.
