This March, GOA hosted a school-wide Purim celebration. Students attended a Megillah reading, participated in a costume contest and played games.
The day began with a special Purim service, where the student body fulfilled the mitzvah of listening to the Megillah.
To facilitate the event, students volunteered to learn a section of the Megillah to read for the school. Though the task was difficult, it proved very rewarding for those who participated.
“Even though it was difficult to learn a whole new set of tropes, it was super fun to learn the tune, and now I can follow along during Megillah reading,” said sophomore Niko Rosenberg, who read Megillah. “Not only did I get to help others fulfill a mitzvah, but I also helped myself feel more comfortable with reading Jewish texts in general.”
Students booed Haman’s name throughout the reading, creating a lively atmosphere.
At the end of the Megillah service, faculty handed snacks out to students. The classical hamantaschen were served with a range of fillings from jams to chocolate.
Freshman Perri Mayer stated, “It was nice to see everyone in one room together enjoying hamantaschen, and seeing how even if we make the same sweet treats, they always taste different.”
After the service, students took part in an exciting costume contest where they could show off their outfits and creativity. The costumes ranged from unicorns, to aliens to gangsters.
Each student’s costume showcased GOA’s creative and accepting environment where everyone can express themselves freely.
“It was fun to see everyone dressed up with smiles on their faces. Having a break from school work definitely contributed to this,” said sophomore Abby Munshine.
However, the costume contest was not the only fun activity. Throughout the day, students partook in interactive games that allowed them to relax and take a break from their schoolwork.
Later in the day, the high school was split into two teams to play an exhilarating game of Trivia.
The trivia quizzed students on their ability to name superheroes, Disney characters, and real-life figures, putting each person’s brain to the test.
The excitement in the room was hardly containable. With both teachers and students showing off their knowledge, every person was cheering for their team.
By allowing students to take part in fun activities with other grades, Purim truly bonded the GOA community and brought a bit of fun to everyone’s day.
