While many people were busy preparing turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, the Hebrew Academy of Tidewater Konikoff Center of Learning and the Strelitz Early Childhood Education Center celebrated the time-honored tradition of Grandparents’ Day on Wednesday, Nov. 22.
More than 200 grandparents and special friends, hailing from Virginia Beach all the way to Russia and Israel, convened in the Fleder Multipurpose room for the students’ musical performances and songs about peace and thankfulness. This year, HAT’s fifth grade class treated everyone to moving renditions played on the chime bells of both the United States ‘and Israeli National Anthems.
Following the presentations, all of the classrooms hummed with conversation, laughter, and activity. The youngest students baked special treats with fall’s favorite ingredient (pumpkin) for guests to share at snack time. The children and special visitors participated in activities from making traditional fall-themed Thanksgiving crafts and playing Thanksgivingthemed word games to decorating family (mishpacha) plates to use at home. The fifth graders and their guests held a serious debate about the miracles of Hanukkah to determine which miracle was more important, the winning of the war or the oil lasting eight days.
The experience epitomized the theme of L’Dor VaDor (from generation to generation). Overall, it was wonderful to see grandparents and friends working together, learning together, and growing together on the favorite day of the school year for many.
– Patti Seeman