Morris Winchevsky School
Jewish holidays
Celebrations of Heritage: The Morris Winchevsky School’s Journey through Jewish Holidays
Sukkot
Harvest festival, outdoor dwellingsSukkot
“Celebrate the Jewish Harvest holiday of Sukkes/Sukkot with the Morris Winchevsky School! Help us decorate the sukkah, learn about the symbols of the holiday, sing and listen to stories together, play games, and much much more!”
Chanukah
Festival of LightsChanukah
“At the Morris Winchevsky School we approach Chanukah as we do all other Jewish holidays: from a secular and social justice perspective. We retell the story of the Macabees, exploring historic struggles within Jewish communities and the meaning of resistance then and now.”
Purim
Costumes, feasting, joy, triumphPurim
“At the Morris Winchevsky Shule (our secular Sunday school), students learn about the Jewish exile
in Persia and about Purim as a celebration of Esther and Vashti’s bravery against the authority of Ahasuerus. They explore the themes of identity and the protection offered by masks, both real and philosophical. “
Passover
Freedom, Seder, matzah, ExodusPassover
“Passover is conceptualized as a celebration of remarkable acts of resistance, symbolizing not just the ancient Exodus of the Jewish people from Egyptian slavery, but also embodying the broader themes of courage in the face of oppression and the importance of solidarity. The observance will be enriched with music, poetry, and text that honor these themes, thereby deepening the traditional commemoration of freedom with a contemporary reflection on resistance and communal support.”
End-of-Year Potluck
Community celebration, shared dishesEnd-of-Year Potluck
“The End-of-Year Potluck is a communal gathering that marks the culmination of the academic or organizational year, inviting families and members of the larger community to come together in celebration. Participants contribute various dishes to a shared meal, fostering a sense of unity and belonging.The potluck also serves as a vibrant showcase of the community’s cultural diversity, with each dish offering a taste of the various heritages and traditions that enrich the collective experience.”
