Hebrew Academy students put on its annual Hanukkah performance last month, with a show chock full of talent, including singing, dancing, acting and artwork. The production is a cherished school tradition that brings together students, faculty, family and friends year after year.
Zohar Ben Moshe, HAT music teacher, practiced for weeks with students, preparing them for the big event. Kindergarten students performed their own rendition of Craig Taubman’s Big Trip, a song about going on a trip to Israel and the places to visit. First graders sang and danced to Ush’avtem Mayim B’sosot, a traditional Israeli folk song. Second and third graders sang Rick Recht’s version of Hatikva, the hope. Rounding out the Israel experience was the fourth and fifth graders performance of Bo’ee, a song in Amharic by the Idan Reichel. All songs were learned in both English and Hebrew, and before each one, students explained their meaning and connection to Israel.
HAT Drama Club members also performed, under the direction of teacher Tanya W. Conley. Students created sets, props and costumes for two short plays written by Conley. The Rabbi’s Wife Solves the Problem was a take-off on the familiar feather story theme. Students humorously conveyed how gossip and repeating rumors can result in an unhappy situation. The second play, Not Enough Room! was based on the folk tale about the long-suffering father who asks the rabbi to help him with his little house and very noisy children. The rabbi’s advice generated laughter as chickens, a goat and, finally, a cow were brought inside to join the family. The HAT Drama Club is an after school program open to fourth and fifth graders each year.
The evening concluded with the lighting of the Hanukkah candles by SGA co-presidents Shalom Brashevitzky and Cooper Poorman and the finale song Al Ha’Nisim. Families and guests enjoyed a reception after the show that was organized by parents Elyse Cardon and Erica Kaplan. Everyone also viewed art work directed by Michele Barnes, HAT art teacher for kindergarten through fifth grade. Strelitz Early Childhood Center preschool students’ artwork was also displayed.
Hebrew Academy is a constituent Agency of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. The Jewish community day school is now enrolling for the 2016-2017 academic year. For more information or to schedule a tour, contact admissions director Carin Simon at 424-4327 or csimon@hebrewacademy.net.