"IT'S BECAUSE OF THEM WE GET TO DO THIS"

Chanukah is almost upon us and we have been busy learning many things. Rituals and customs, songs and brachot are naturally all part of the lesson plans. A teacher feels satisfied when her students understand the concepts, remember the story, and can sing a few songs. How more gratifying when four and five year olds, while playing in free exploration discover new ways to create a chanukiyah and don't just say, "Look I made a chanukiyah from blocks", but rather so succinctly say, "It's because of them we get to do this." It took my breath away that they understood this deep idea, and knowing exactly what they meant, I 'innocently' ask, "Who are THEY?" "The Maccabeats (Maccabees) of course!" Profundity and humor rolled into one is the joy of being the teacher of this adorable Ganon!