SSLI Lower School
Friday Letter – March 18, 2022
Parshat Tzav – Candle Lighting 6:46 pm
Dear Schechter Parents,
This week the children at Schechter increased their joy as they were involved in numerous engaging activities throughout this week of Purim. One of the main concepts of Purim is Vinahapech Hu, namely that the tides turned in the Jewish people’s favor in the Megillah story, going from tragedy to celebration. In recognition of this idea, Monday was Backwards day where the children wore their shirts inside out. Tuesday was pajama day (which is always a hit) and Wednesday was Royalty day where the students dressed up like royalty in shiny crowns.
Of course, the highlight of the week was Purim day. Grades 1-5 went to Shelter Rock Jewish Center where they enjoyed a fun-filled day. They started off with Tefillah in the main sanctuary led by each of the grades. Afterward, we enjoyed an uplifting Megillah reading led by our 5th graders! The students then went to participate in a fabulous carnival with tons of awesome games, yummy popcorn, and cotton candy. After a delicious pizza lunch, we concluded our day with a talent show! We heard from fabulous talented musicians playing the keyboard, hilarious comedy skits, magic shows, and even some breakdancing! Overall the children had an amazing Purim. We thank the many dedicated parents who volunteered hours of their time to make this Purim so special and memorable for our students.
With the assistance of numerous parent volunteers, the lower school students designed their own colorful T-shirts earlier in the week. Today the children wore their shirts during Kabbalat Shabbat at the “Battle of the Classes” where each grade led in their own song or cheer.
During Kabbalat Shabbat, we discussed the significance of wearing costumes on Purim. We heard an amusing story about how two people could see the exact same thing but yet come up with two very different conclusions. When one looks at a person in a costume, one understands that the costume doesn’t truly embody or represent their essence. So too, when we say hello to someone and they don’t return our greetings, we should not assume their lack of response was intentional. Perhaps they were preoccupied with something and simply didn’t hear your greeting. We can always see things in more than one way but we must try to look a little deeper into the situation and give people the benefit of the doubt.
Question of the Week
(Please submit your answer to be featured in next week’s email.)
How many Pesukim are found in this week’s Parsha? How is this hinted in the name, Tzav?
Last Week’s Question And Answer
- In addition to Parshat Vayikra, this Shabbat is called Shabbat Zachor, remembering what Amalek did to the Jewish people. This is always read the week prior to Purim as Haman was a descendent of Amalek. There are actually six things that we are told to zacor – remember as part of our faith. What are the other five?
- Last week we were instructed to remember Amalak. Below are the five remembrances. 1. Remember the Shabbat, 2. Remember our exodus from Egypt, 3. Remember the revelation at Sinai 4. Remember the golden calf and rebelling in the desert 5. Remember Miriam’s negative speech and subsequent punishment.
Shabbat Shalom!
Dr. Boaz Tomsky
Lower School Administrator