Purim! The Jewish national holiday of liberation from oppression. We celebrate the defeat of Haman, the Jew hater in ancient Persia, by partying, singing, and eating triangular cookies reminiscent of Haman's ears. How appropriate a holiday for us working with refugee children, hoping, like the Jews of Persia, that they find a safe haven from oppression in the home of their birth, Israel!
We started celebrations a week ago, when volunteers from the Talma Yellin High School for the Arts came and did a workshop at the Keshet school. They joined the children in building drums and traditional "raashanim" Purim noise makers, and then staged an impromptu concert. It was a huge success. It was exciting and delightful, and at the same time well-planned and professional. Here are some pictures.
Then, on Monday, we had aour traditional "Adloyada" Purim procession. Our fiddlers stood at the gate of the school and played as the children arrived. We then went from classroom to classroom, and played Purim tunes. Everyone joined in singing and stomping and clapping.
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