By Sara S., Seventh Grade, Isaac B., Seventh Grade and Julian K., Sixth Grade, Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation
Every Chanukah, middle schoolers at the Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation make homemade toys, bookmarks, stress balls, slime and more to sell to their fellow middle school friends.
Like previous years, this year’s bazaar proved successful. Students sold their products during lunch periods. Prices for these homemade products ranged from 25 cents to $1.50.
In order to sell products at the Chanukah Bazaar, students needed to complete a form to register to make the items themselves. Due to the school’s kosher policy and students’ allergies, students are not permitted to make food or drinks. However, this does not deter students in the slightest. There is always an abundance of products.
Student vendor Noah Y., a sixth-grader, made homemade decorated soaps with the help of his brother Brady, a third grade KSDS student. They included dinosaurs, flowers, stars and emojis.
Dreidel Grams are another important component of the Chanukah Bazaar. Students buy gifts for their peers or teachers and elect to keep their presents anonymous or choose to include a message and their name. Treats include soda, candy, fidgets, toys, pencils and erasers. These gifts are an easy way to show one’s appreciation to a friend or teacher.
To many, the Chanukah Bazaar is not only a way to sell their products, but it is a chance to be a giving member of society. Students donated the proceeds to a variety of charities which help animals, children, the economy or the community, including Chai Lifeline, the Humane Society or the SPCA.
“Students select charities that they love or believe in,” Kristen Wavle, middle school counselor and Chanukah Bazaar organizer, stated.
All the money Noah collected went to the charity Chai Lifeline, which is dedicated to helping children with cancer or chronic illnesses and their families. “They give kids with disabilities the time of their lives and let them do fun activities,” Noah explained.
Sixth-grader Elie S. explained why it is important to donate the money. “I believe it is important to give back to the community.” This is one of the main values that KSDS teaches.
“I personally think there’s something amazing when I see what the students create, the charities that they pick, and how they work to make something successful. There is magic in the connection between Chanukah and the bazaar,” Wavle said.
During the Chanukah Bazaar, smiles could be seen everywhere. The atmosphere was one of great festivities. There was music playing, and people buying dreidel grams for their friends. The students running the stations felt very accomplished when they realized how much the community has benefited from their artful adventure.
Jmore Juniors Noah S. and Eli S. take a look at the differences between the Jewish communities of Baltimore and Chicago.
Madeline L., a seventh grade student at Krieger Schechter Day School, writes about the phenomenon that has been Starbucks over the past half-century.
An eighth grade student at Krieger Schechter Day School, Jmore Juniors writer Micah B answers an array of questions from his peers.
Jmore Junior Eitan Beck writes about the pros and cons of having electric cars in the future.