After many months of preparation, the 6th grade girls at Magen David Yeshivah were thrilled and excited to perform before their mothers, aunts, sisters, grandmothers and even their great-grandmothers as part of a special Night to Celebrate.
The program was opened with greetings from MDY principals Rabbi Baruch Hilsenrath and Rabbi David Sultan. MDY teacher, Mrs. Noah Stern addressed the guests, Happiness, belief in Hashem, Moshiach, and healththese are the most important thingsthe most precious things in our lives. This is the focus of tonights program. This year is the 10th anniversary of our 6th grade celebration program, and tonight we are celebrating the things that are precious and most dear to us: our grandmothers, mothers, aunts, sisters, and teachers. We are happy to present a program entitled, You, Hashem, Are the One To Give Joy To My Heart. Thank you to Hashem. The fundamental principle of our lives is faith in Hashem. Everything in our life is from above. Everything that happens is in his control.
In accordance to the theme, 6th graders, Joyce Chehebar and Pamela Franco, recognized and thanked all their guests and the important roles they play in their lives. Then the girls sang and danced with enthusiasm. A Dvar Torah (Torah lesson) was given by students Frieda Hara, Rochelle Gindi and Mary Salem. A slide show followed, capturing the girls energy and excitement during a typical school day. Following the slide show, each girl was given a lovely leather bound Siddur, with their Hebrew names engraved on the cover. The Siddurim were donated in loving memory of Iris Shoshana bat Rachel AH, the grandmother of Patty Shrem.
This special evening touched all those who attended. Nancy Cohen, a 5th grader in Mrs. Laufers class wrote, I was excited to go to see the 6th grade celebration! My friends have been practicing for many weeks. Morah Ora has been teaching everyone dances, and Mrs. Levy taught them beautiful Hebrew songs. When I got to Magen David there was a red carpet in the lobby for everyone to walk on. We felt so special. As soon as the performance started, the audience understood the message that we are grateful to Hashem for all things in our lives. Every 6th grade girl got to sing and dance. Everyone had a chance to shine. All the classes joined together to sing as one. When I looked around, I saw that many of the ladies were smiling, some were even crying, from happiness. I am looking forward to being in 6th grade next year so that I too can join in the special celebration. For the women of the many Magen David families, that were privileged to partake in the evening, it was a special night. Grandmas and aunties, mothers and sisters, teachers and neighbors, all joined together, and felt pride in our 6th grade girls.
In closing, the girls performed a wide array of dances, in colorful costumes. After their performances the guests were invited to a beautifully decorated buffet, catered by Magen Davids own chefs. The childrens excitement was electric, and the dancing continued. Thank you to their teachers, Mrs. Goldman and Mrs. Mayer for all their hard work in assisting with the project.
This glorious night would not have been possible without the help of three very special and dedicated teachers: Ms. Ora Delberri, Mrs. N. Stern, and Mrs. N. Levy. Thank you to Mrs. Ruthy Mann and Mrs. Claudine Bennaim, for their commitment to this event. Thank you to all of the sponsors for the evening and to Raymond Shammah for supplying the pictures. It was a special evening for all those who put so much effort into making this night one everyone who attended will remember.
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Randi Shomer is a mother of four children, a community member, and a freelance writer.
