Purim at Schechter: A Week of Joy, Learning, and Community
Purim at Solomon Schechter Day School was nothing short of extraordinary! From the very first hamantaschen baked to the final triumphant cheers of the Shushan Shpiel, our students, faculty, and families embraced the spirit of Purim with energy, excitement, and deep connection. Throughout the week, our students embodied Schechter’s core values:
Simcha
שמחה
Celebration
Masa
מסע
Journey
B’tzelem Elohim
בצלם אלוהים
In the Image of God
— bringing these values to life in ways that were both meaningful and memorable.
A Sweet Start: PO Hamantaschen Make & Take
The week kicked off with our sold-out PO Hamantaschen Make & Take, where students, parents, and grandparents came together for a hands-on Purim experience. Kids had a blast rolling, filling, and shaping their own hamantaschen, all while decorating their very own aprons to take home. The event was a beautiful mix of tradition and togetherness, filling the room with laughter, the sweet scent of freshly rolled dough, and the joy of Jewish learning.
Hamantaschen for Our Tzevet: A Special Thank You ❤️
One of the most heartfelt moments of Purim came from our 8th-grade students in Nanci Caplan’s specials class, who spent months planning a way to show appreciation for the entire Schechter staff.
Their idea? Baking and delivering homemade hamantaschen as a token of gratitude. They spent their class time this Tuesday filling, baking, and decorating over 100 hamantaschen so that every member of our tzevet could enjoy a treat!
"This was entirely their idea months ago," shared Nanci Caplan, Associate Head of School. "The students were so eager to do something special for our tzevet, and what better way to say thank you than through a sweet, homemade gesture? Seeing them take this project from idea to reality, with such enthusiasm and care, was truly inspiring."
Mishloach Manot: Giving With Heart
Throughout the week, students created and decorated Mishloach Manot (Purim gift baskets) to exchange with their Tribes buddies. This meaningful tradition reinforces the importance of building community and strengthening friendships, while also teaching our students the mitzvah of giving with joy.
Matanot L’Evyonim: A Commitment to Kindness
Another key mitzvah of Purim, Matanot L’Evyonim (Gifts for Those Less Fortunate), was embraced schoolwide, with every K-8 student bringing in donations to help those in need. Watching our students step up to support their community was a powerful reminder of the values of tzedakah and responsibility that are at the heart of a Schechter education.
The Shushan Shuk: Leadership in Action
One of the most anticipated events of Purim at Schechter is the Shushan Shuk, a student-led Purim activity organized and run by our 8th-grade leadership group for younger students. From crafting games and activities to managing logistics, the 8th graders worked tirelessly for months to create an experience that was both educational and fun.
"It was incredible to see our students take ownership of this project," shared Missy Friedman, 7th & 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher. "They worked hard, collaborated, and created something fun for younger students in school. Watching them step up as leaders and role models has been inspiring."
Emily Gurner, 7th-8th Grade Special Education Teacher, added, "Our 8th graders have been leading all year, and Shushan Shuk was just another example of their dedication. They weren’t just running an event—they were creating an experience. They wanted to bring the same excitement and joy they remember from their early years to the K-3rd graders, making Purim special for their fellow students."
The Big Celebration: Purim Day Festivities 🎭
On Friday, the energy at Schechter was electric as students arrived dressed in their Purim costumes, ready for a full day of celebration! The day’s highlights included:
Joyful Judaism in Action
"Purim is a beautiful example of Joyful Judaism in action," shared Dr. Lena Kushnir, Head of School.
"From the excitement of dressing up to the mitzvot of giving and celebrating, our students experience firsthand how Jewish life is filled with meaning, connection, and joy."
This week was about more than just fun—it was a celebration of Jewish values, leadership, and learning. Watching our students embrace the mitzvot of Purim, support one another, and bring so much ruach to our community was truly inspiring.
