Students from Solomon Schechter Day School in West Hartford hosted a Passover Seder for middle school girls from Hartford’s Grace Academy.

Submitted by Riva Lewinter

Over the past month, fifth, sixth, and seventh grade girls from Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Hartford worked to create a unique Passover experience for middle school girls of Grace Academy of Hartford.

Schechter Head of School Andrea Kasper hatched the idea with Grace Academy Head of School Matt Fitzsimons after he shared that Grace Academy fifth grade students learn about Passover.

On March 26, the plan came to fruition as the Grace Academy girls experienced firsthand the tastes, sounds, sensations, and smells that have been part of the Schechter students’ tradition.

The Haggadah, the text recited at the Seder, was created by the Schechter students and included a narrative of the Exodus, and engaged the girls in interactive activities. Together, in a unique Seder that kept the girls and their lived experiences at the center of the meals, students at both schools learned about the exodus of the Israelites and the story’s meaning and application today.

After the Seder, Head of School Matt Fitzsimons, wrote, “From the moment we arrived in the parking lot, three girls came to the door wearing name tags and they greeted each Grace girl with a warm and welcoming smile. I, along with our three teachers, were most impressed with the booklet, presentations which engaged our girls in the readings, and the very entertaining and instructive skit. “

Future projects that celebrate the values of both schools are being eagerly planned.

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