The PreSchool in Bnos Malka Academy was filled with Chanukah spirit throughout the weeks leading up to the holiday, and the week of Chanukah itself. The excitement was palpable as each class prepared for the chag. Children in both Pre-K and Pre-1A worked diligently to create their own unique menorahs, as well as drip mats and other holiday-related projects. Students (and teachers!) practiced a ton, thanks to the help of the one and only Morah Rena Greenberg, for each class’ Chanukah celebration. For the Pre-K classes, families were invited to watch the children perform on the Sunday before Chanukah. After an adorable singing presentation, the children and their families engaged in a variety of Chanukah-themed arts and crafts projects such as scratch art and decorating picture frames.
The Pre-1A classes invited families to join during Chanukah itself to partake in a mother-daughter sing-along in one class, and watch the children perform a Chanukah play in the other. Both classes had their own unique spin on their performance, and both were wonderful and heartwarming. After the performance, the children and their families received their own tin of cookie dough, Chanukah-shaped cookie cutters, and sprinkles, and they worked together to form delicious and beautiful cookies.
Not to be outdone, the middle school students at BMA enjoyed a beautiful, fun, and inspiring chagigah on Thursday, December 14. Students from fifth to eighth grades boarded buses and went to the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills where the Social Hall was beautifully decorated to reflect the theme “Light Up the Nights.” The students then created their very own scented candles to take home. The students showcased their talents with a number of performances, which included three dances, a skit, and a choir. The students and teachers concluded the chagigah dancing and singing together.