“For me every hour is grace. And I feel gratitude in my heart every time I can meet someone and look at his or her smile.” – Elie Wiesel
This is one of those special years where Thanksgiving and Chanukkah fall near each other on the Gregorian calendar. While not on the same night like Thanksgivukkah in 2013, we light the first candle during the weekend following Thanksgiving. Both holidays share common themes of bravery, the importance of community and gratitude.
There are a multitude of reasons to be thankful at Yavneh:
- Our faculty and staff and their never-ending care and dedication to their students
- Gathering together as a school community
- The smiling faces of our students as they run into school each morning
- Big and little buddies learning and playing together
- The partnership with the parents
- The ongoing support of the greater Yavneh community
It’s not a coincidence that these holidays occur when our days are shorter, darker, and colder. We focus not only on the physical light of the candles but on how we can bring light to each other. When we return to school on November 29th, we will be kicking off our Eight Days “Y” Chai Challenge as we celebrate Chanukkah. Each day at school, we’ll light our Yavneh Chanukiah as students share who brings light to their lives. We hope that you’ll join us on Tuesday, November 30th as we gather as a whole community on Zoom at 5:30 pm to sing some Chanukkah songs and light the candles together. Please mark your calendars with all of the special events.
Whether you are traveling to see family or staying at home, I hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving break. And of course, I’m looking forward to a week of Chanukkah sweaters, scarfs, and pajamas.
Cindy Schlesinger
Head of School
