Norwood Jewish Day School Students to Celebrate Thanksgivukkah at State House

With thousands of YouTube views of it’s Ballad of Thanksgivukkah and national and international attention, students at Kehillah Schechter Academy, a private, K-8 Jewish day school in Norwood, will continue to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime calendar event at the Massachusetts State House.

On Wednesday, Nov. 20, students from Kehillah Schechter Academy will travel to the Massachusetts State House where they will sing the Ballad of Thanksgivukkah at the Grand Staircase at 1:30pm. Students will be welcomed by Senator Stan Rosenberg and Representative Lou Kafka, as well as a 20-plus member host committee.

"What a delight it will be to welcome the students from the Kehillah Schechter Academy as our honored guests at the State House," Senator Rosenberg said. "It's hard to think of a better way to usher in the holiday season."

Governor Deval Patrick has proclaimed that November 28th is officially Thanksgivukkah Day.

Rabbi David Paskin, co-head of the school explained, “In many ways, the stories of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah are closely related. Both the Hasmoneans in the story of Hanukkah and pilgrims were searching and yearning for religious freedom.  How wonderful it is that here in America we can celebrate both of these festivals on the same day right here the state where it all began.”

“I think it’s great that we’re marking such a rare occasion here at the State House- this is quite literally a once-in-a-lifetime event, and I’m looking forward to hearing the Ballad of Thanksgivukkah live from the Grand Staircase, where the acoustics are fantastic,” said Representative Kafka.

Under the leadership of Rabbi David Paskin and Dr. Nitzan Resnick, Kehillah Schechter Academy is a vibrant educational incubator for children and adults where learning never stops.

“Learning at KSA is personalized, collaborative and infused with Jewish wisdom and spirit,” Dr. Resnick explained. “We create an experiential educational environment in which learners think boldly and develop independence, Habits of Mind, and 21st century skills.”

Students will also be presenting a unique Thanksgiving themed Hanukkiah, or menorah - the nine branched candelabra traditionally used in the celebration of Hanukkah. Students will design and build the Thankgivukkah menorah in KSA’s Engineering Lab.

To learn more about how Kehillah Schechter Academy is celebrating Thanksgivukkah, visit www.ksa-ne.org/thanksgivukkah.

For more information about Kehillah Schechter Academy, visit www.ksa-ne.org, email Rabbi David at dpaskin@ksa-ne.org or call 781-769-5555.