This year’s Tu B’Shevat Seder at our school was a day filled with meaningful connections, delicious fruits, and thoughtful discussions. The celebration began with a memorable skit performed by our middle school students, who brought the story of Honi the Circle Maker to life. This ancient tale, where Honi uses his unique ability to bring rain, was so engaging that the students performed it the following day at the Early Childhood Program (ECP), spreading the joy of the holiday even further!
As part of the festivities, everyone gathered around mixed-age tables to experience the tastes of a variety of fruits, both fresh and dried. There were so many flavors to enjoy—mangoes, apricots, grapes, blueberries, dates, peaches, almonds, apples, and bananas. It was a fun and tasty way for students to learn about the diversity of nature’s bounty. The excitement was palpable as the middle school students, acting as captains of the tables, ensured that everyone knew each other’s name and led lively discussions.
The mixed-age setting encouraged thoughtful conversations. One topic that sparked great dialogue was the idea of judging a book by its cover. Students were asked whether they ever looked at a fruit and thought it wouldn’t be good, only to be surprised by its sweetness. This led to deeper reflections about how we sometimes judge things based on appearances without knowing their true value.
Another fun discussion focused on everyone’s favorite fruit or vegetable, and the love for different tastes and trees was evident in the responses. The atmosphere was full of cuteness as the students shared their favorites and discovered new fruits they had never tried before.
A significant part of our gathering was the renewal of our No Place for Hate pledge. Together, all students verbally signed it, reaffirming their commitment to kindness, respect, and inclusivity within our school community. This pledge, along with the teamwork displayed during the Seder, reflected the values of mutual care and respect that are so important to us.
Overall, the day was filled with joy, laughter, and a renewed sense of togetherness. From tasting a wide variety of fruits to reflecting on our values, the Tu Bi’Shevat Seder was a beautiful way to celebrate nature, friendship, and the importance of community. A huge thank you to all the students and staff who made this day so special!
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