Jewish Living
Judaics and Jewish Living are not confined to the classroom. Ruach – spirit – is an important component of our Jewish Day school. Every chag (festival), Erev Shabbat (Friday afternoon) and Jewish occasion has a place in your child’s Jewish experience at Greenfield Hebrew Academy.
The Friday Afternoon Oneg (celebration)
Every Friday afternoon all the students and teachers gather in their classrooms to welcome in Shabbat by singing songs, Kiddush (blessing over the wine) and Hadlakat Nerot (lighting the Shabbat Candles), Dvar Torah (words of Torah wisdom) class presentations. This important weekly event not only creates ruach but sends every participant home, for the weekend feeling good about themselves and our school. The oneg also strengthens each student’s Jewish identity and pride.
The Jewish Family Education and Celebrations.
During the academic year each grade has at least one family event which focuses on one of the upcoming Jewish festivals or Rosh Chodesh – (the celebration of the new month). Families come together to learn and have fun, as well as see their children put on a presentation focused on the festival they are studying.
Middle School Shabbatonim
Each grade in middle school experiences a Shabbaton (weekend retreat) which takes place at GHA. The Shabbaton has a theme and the students experience Shabbat together as a community, under the supervision of GHA staff.
Chaggim and Significant Jewish Dates
Each festival or significant date in the Jewish calendar is experienced and studied. From Rosh Hashanna toYom Ha’Atzmaut the whole community gets together and celebrates each occasion. On a fast day the students learn about the day and age appropriate programs are provided for them. On Succot the school builds its own Sukkah with the help of the 8th graders. All meals are partaken in the sukkah, and there are also festive informal educational activities organized for each grade by our teachers or guest presenters.
Life Cycle Events
Whether it’s a bar/bat mitzvah or even a special family occasion your child will have the opportunity to experience it at GHA. The first grade have their siddur party, while grade 3 are given their own chumash party.