ELANA FINE
It was there for all to see, appreciate, use and learn from.
As most Jewish Crossroads parents will attest, it isn’t easy for parents to take their children out of Jewish schools when they need remedial help. There is always a concern that they won’t get enough Yiddishkeit. But Crossroads principal, Val Witt, totally understands that.
“The idea is to build tolerance and respect for all religions,” she says.
Rabbi Ari Kievman, who has a son in grade 3, arranged the building of the sukkah through Chabad House, and a collection of parents then organised for the Schach leaves to be cut and delivered for the roof.
The Jewish pupils were asked to create a picture of religious significance as decoration for the sukkah and to then to explain it to their peers.
The Jewish parents and families were thrilled with this gesture. With words such as “impressive, awesome and fantastic” being used to describe the structure and the gratitude that they feel.
The children are proud and excited to be able to share their culture with their friends. As a parent, I beam with pride knowing my son has a sense of Jewish pride in a school community that teaches him so much, but in turn also allows him to teach others.
