The Heschel School

This week, Early Childhood children helped get Heschel into the spirit of Purim.

Grade 8 enjoyed a special presentation from Elisha Wiesel, Heschel parent and son of Elie Wiesel, the author of Night (which the 8th graders just finished reading). Elisha answered our students' questions, and was able to offer insights into his father's background, beliefs, life, and career. We are grateful to Elisha for taking the time to meet with our students.

Heschel High School welcomed the Galilee Dreamers, a diverse group of Israeli Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Druze high school students who are visiting New York, and spent the morning with Grades 11 and 12. They spoke about what they have learnt from being part of their unique program, appreciating their similarities, learning from their differences, and letting go of their preconceived notions of each other. They also listened to our students speak about our school’s approach to pluralism and how we engage, learn and grow across differences.

For the first time in three years, Heschel welcomed back seniors from Project Ezra, a social service agency on the Lower East Side for older adults, to spend some time with our 5th grade students. The children and the seniors shared lunch and did some Purim singing together, and students sent their guests home with filled-to-the-brim mishloah manot! The students prepared by talking about the mitzvah וְהָדַרְתָּ פְּנֵי זָקֵן, it is important to respect older people; and brainstormed questions to ask the seniors.

Before Heschel heads into February Break, Early Childhood children were all smiles!