Dear Families, 

It is the season of Hanukkah, and we have a special invitation to reflect upon our children's growth as we engage with them in holiday learning.Each year, lower school students are ready to think about Hanukkah in increasingly complex ways. Learning about light, miracles, faith, leadership, bravery, and courage are central ideas that will be infused over the next two weeks at BZ. Learning about light, miracles, faith, leadership, bravery, and courage are central ideas that will be infused into learning over the next two weeks at BZ. First graders will learn about their own shining light and how they respect and honor others’ lights. The notion of acknowledging and understanding differences, and the challenge of staying true to your own identity is a first grade theme that connects to the story of Hanukkah. By fourth grade, students are also thinking about light by exploring the debate between Hillel and Shammai 2000 years ago about the order in which the candles should be lit. Should we start with 8 candles and decrease light, or add more light into our life by illuminating an additional candle each night?  Exploring miracles, light, upstanders, and heroes in second and third grade reminds students that even in times of darkness, we can still find strength in our community and overcome hardships. These themes continue to feel relevant in our world right now and will elicit rich conversations and connections both in classes and at home. 

One particular and exciting addition to this year’s fourth grade Hanukkah learning is the study of traditions around the world. Directly connected to the social studies units of Geography and Immigration, students are exploring and researching how people in different countries celebrate Hanukkah and other holidays. Did you know that Boxing Day originated as a holiday to give to those less fortunate, and that Wassail is an English holiday punch - a tasty sister to apple cider - made with spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg? Yum! 

Also, check out this fourth grade-second grade partnership to complete some Hanukkah STEM building challenges. 

We look forward to this exciting holiday learning and wish you and your family a meaningful Hanukkah season!

Karen Leavitt,
Head of Lower School