Yeshiva Primary Celebrates Chanukah

The light and joy of Chanukah was felt last week in Yeshiva Primary. Students participated in special Chanukah activities such as cookie baking, cupcake decorating, and eating delicious donuts. The highlight of Chanukah was the spectacular Chanukah show put on by the Yeshiva Primary students. The show started with Rabbi Zalman Deutcher, founder and dean of the Yeshiva, who asked a question to all the students, “ if you only have 8 candles in a dark room and you lost a dollar bill, can you look for it without turning on the lights?” A student replied, “we can’t.” Then Rabbi Deutcher asked, “how about if we add another candle that is higher than the rest?” Aron (7th grade) raised his hand and answered, “yes we can because now we are not using the chanukah candles but rather the light of the higher candle.” The performances then began! Some classes sang Chanukah songs to get everyone in the Chanukah mood. Excitement and laughter filled the Yeshiva Primary auditorium as teachers and students tried to guess Chanukah riddles performed by the mechina class. Last, the students were treated to watching a play about the story of Chanukah performed by the senior boys. The talent and creativity of each student was remarkable to see! The assembly ended by Rabbi Sillman (senior boys Rebbe) leading the whole school in a singing of Maoz Tzoar. The happiness and warmth permeated the room and was seen by the smiles on the students’ faces.

Here is what some students had to say about the lessons they learned from Chanukah.

Eliana, (seventh grade) “Hashem is always with us no matter what and no matter how small or big we are, He will help us. I know Hashem is there to help me. I like to say over the parsha that I learn at the Shabbat table.”

Natalie, (sixth grade) “I learned to trust in Hashem, never give up hope and trust in yourself. If something bad happens to you, you shouldn’t feel worried. Pray to Hashem that He will make everything fine.”

Elnatan, (fourth grade) “Keep Torah. Be happy because after the war we didn’t have to worry about the Greeks.”

Elisheva, (second grade) “We won against the Greeks and they should’ve won because they had more weapons. The Jewish people were Maccabees and we are the Maccabees, so we have Hashem on our side.”

Hana, (seventh grade) “We have Yehudit. We can learn how brave she was. She killed the General and showed his head. The Greek army was scared. Women have a great obligation to be next to the candles because of her. The Jews were searching for a jug of oil and didn’t give up. I learned not to give up and always to pray to Hashem. If you have any hardships in life, Hashem will always be there for you.”

Aron, (eighth grade) “One of the lessons to learn from Chanukah is that no matter what situations the Jews are in, Hashem is always with us. Babylonians, Nazis, Romans, all tried to destroy us. Hashem finds a way for his children to be protected. Hashem is always with us and never leaves us.”

Rachamim, (eighth grade) “Chanukah is a symbol that during your lifetime if there is a troubling thing that’s happening and there is one option, take that option and Hashem will help you. Whenever I am in a troubling situation, I can trust in Hashem that I am able to get out of it.

May Hashem continue to bless this school and students with much Bracha.

For more information you can visit us at www.YeshivaPrimary.com  or call 718-217-4700.