Oregon Kids Bring Judaism to Life

Jewish learning was recently “brought to life” for the students of Maimonides Jewish Day School in Portland, Oregon, where the entire student body participated in the school’s “Torah Fair.”

“It was wonderful to see how creative the children were,” says Rabbi Shneur Wilhelm, elementary school principal of the school, which has an enrollment of 95 from preschool to 8th grade.

“They each chose another mitzvah to research in depth [from their Yahadus curriculum] and then presented them in a science-fair style format with posters, games, diagrams and more.”

While the younger students shared their knowledge through answering questions and model magic poster displays depicting their mitzvahs, many of the older students’ presentations were more elaborate.

Highlights included a 3-D model of a kosher mikvah, a depiction of how the Levites would serve in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, and other topics rarely learned in elementary school.

Following the fair, the children received certificates recognizing their effort and achievement.

“This fair,” notes Wilhelm, “is an example of our school’s aim to ensure that every student is fully engaged in Jewish learning and grows as a creative, inquisitive, and educated member of our community.”