School on Purim? In most communities, the idea would be met with howls of protest. In Las Vegas, the students of Chabad’s Desert Torah Academy, and their parents, looked forward to it.
The accepted norm in virtually every school is that Purim is a day off, a time to celebrate with family and friends. At Desert Torah Academy of Las Vegas, under the auspices of Chabad of Southern Nevada, however, Purim is not a day off.
In fact, it is one of the most anticipated days of the year for both students and parents.
More than 400 children attend the various divisions of Desert Torah Academy, from preschool through eighth grade. The student body includes local Lubavitch families, children of shluchim and Chabad House families, as well as students whose families may attend shul only occasionally, creating a unique melting pot, all growing together in their Yiddishkeit.
To ensure that every student celebrates Purim properly and fulfills all the mitzvos of the day, Purim is intentionally kept as a school day each year. A special program is organized, incorporating davening, the reading of the Megillah, the mitzvos of the day, and a full Purim celebration.
Planning for the program begins weeks in advance, starting with the selection of the year’s theme and the preparation of decorations and props to match. This year’s theme was Purim in Israel, and the school entrance was transformed accordingly. Backdrops of familiar Israeli scenes lined the entrance, while props included an “I ♥ JLM” sign, a donkey, and even a Na Nach van.
At 8:30 in the morning, the children began arriving in costume. Some embraced the Israeli theme, while others came in more traditional Purim costumes. The day began with davening in their classrooms, and after about half an hour the students gathered with their parents in the gym to hear the Megillah.
“There are close to 450 children and adults gathered to hear the Megillah,” says Rabbi Yosef Blasberg, Judaic Principal. “It is a beautiful scene and a highlight of the entire Purim.”
To help younger children remain attentive and quiet during the reading, a silent video depicting the Purim story played in the background. Following the Megillah, the students returned to their classrooms, where they exchanged shalach manos and were given coins to fulfill the mitzvah of matanos l’evyonim.
The rest of the morning was filled with hands-on activities tied to the Israel theme. Girls made Dead Sea body scrub to take home and created Am Yisrael Chai bracelets. Boys built their own graggers and crafted blue-and-white Havdalah candles. Many classes also visited a lively “shuk experience,” where students juiced fresh fruit and prepared shawarma spice blends to bring home.
The day concluded with the fourth mitzvah of Purim—the Purim seudah. The children all washed and sat down together to properly fulfill the mitzvah. The Israel theme continued at the meal, with schnitzel, falafel, and pita enjoyed by all.
“Having school on Purim may seem unconventional,” says Rabbi Mendy Harlig. “But it allows us to ensure the children experience and fulfill all the mitzvos of the day. It gives them beautiful memories, serves as a powerful mivtzoim opportunity, and in the end, it is probably the nicest day in school all year.”
Are you or someone you know looking for the right shlichus opportunity? Desert Torah Academy has several open positions that may be the perfect fit. Reach out to Rabbi Mendy Harlig at [email protected] for more information.
The schools in Melbourne, Australia, have always done this. Glad others are starting to catch on!