With the Middle School fully settled in their new home, students wanted to mark the moment with their own Hanukkah HaBayit celebration. Throughout the week, each advisory rolled up their sleeves in the new HaMitbach (Kitchen and Food Lab) to prepare a dish to share together at lunch on Friday. They enjoyed latkes, Israeli salad, hummus, shakshuka, fruit, and muffins. 

During lunch, several Grade 8 students reflected on the meaning of community, highlighting care, respect, kindness, empathy, and gratitude. They shared that each advisory had come together during the week to prepare a communal meal to represent kehila (community) and welcome Shabbat. As the oldest students in the school, they encouraged everyone to demonstrate leadership and responsibility in their new space. They also expressed heartfelt thanks to Paulette Herbstman, Middle School Programs and Food Lab Coordinator, for guiding them in the kitchen, and to their advisory teachers for their support.