A SEASON OF FESTIVALS: Once upon a time, our culture followed the full cycle of the seasons and the year. Today, we are a mobile society and no longer tied to our environment as past generations were. And some folks may argue that being tied to the environment and natural seasonal cycle of life is not the same as being in touch with it. At the same time, I feel all would agree that this particular time of the year still has a universal appeal for story, song, food and festivals, as well as parents and children feeling a heightened sense of rhythm and the approaching winter season and solstice.

In Waldorf schools and Waldorf-Methods schools like Mountain Oak, all the great festivals of the many wonderful cultures of the world are celebrated in various ways by teachers with their children in classrooms and at school throughout the year. This coming week is represented by the festival of Hanukkah. Hanukkah, the eight-day Festival of Lights, begins this year the evening of December 7 and runs through December 14. Historically, it marks the first known successful rebellion against tyranny when more than 2,000 years ago the Jewish people rose up against their Assyrian conquerors.

When the Jewish people reclaimed the temple in Jerusalem, they rededicated it by lighting the lamp that hangs over the ark holding the Torah - the sacred scroll - which must be kept lit at all times. However, only one day's oil was found, and it would take eight days for more to arrive. But, miraculously, that one-day supply of oil burned for all eight days.

Hanukkah starts with the lighting of one candle (representing an oil lamp) in a special candelabra called a menorah. Another, called the "shamus" (said to represent the Lord's presence), is also lit. One more candle is added each evening until all eight, and the shamus, are alight. Hanukkah is a family holiday. Gifts are given on each day, usually to the children. Special olive-based foods are served. In recent years, a growing number of families has dedicated the celebration to a "make the world better" theme, based on the Talmudic teaching that God deliberately created an imperfect world so that every human being could later help move it toward perfection.

Some families have chosen to make the world better by dedicating their holiday to the search for world peace. Children are encouraged to join their parents in this by donating their Hanukkah "gelt" (holiday money) to causes that further this goal, such as organizations that fight hunger, support education and health services. Donations can also be made to environmental groups, as an environmentally strong world can also make for a peaceful one.

Finally, on the eighth day, many families invite friends and neighbors from other religious or ethnic groups to dinner to celebrate our common aspiration for peace and freedom for all.

- Merrill Badger, Principal

Happenings:

Saturday, Dec. 11th join us for our Holiday Teacher Appreciation Celebration at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Prescott.

Thursday, Dec. 16th
Parent University 7:00 to 8:30 pm.

SCHOOL NEWS

Okay, Teacher Honoring Party People
..it's this Saturday Night!!

Social time begins 5:00pm
Dinner is served promptly at 6pm

Bring your own place setting, including a bowl for soup and your special glassware and contents for toasting!! (hint hint…). In the spirit of the season, we are working hard to not contribute to the waste with paper/plastic. Your White Elephant Gift (if you wish to play) Cookies for the exchange (again, only if you would like to) and Your festive spirit --- let's tap the magic!!!

We are still in need of auction items!! Please donate items or gift certificates for services. We need help creating a bit of ambience on Saturday afternoon. Please call me if you would like to help! Yours truly---in all types of weather! Laurag@541-7815 MOCS Special Events Committee

Garden of Lights Festival Boughs and more needed...

We will be creating a large spiral pathway from the green boughs which the children walk through during the quiet and reverential ceremony. You may deposit your bough contributions beside the shed. Please look for a sign-up sheet outside the kindergarten window for other items needed for this event, such as: tea lights, lots of gold star wire for crowns, someone to clean out wax from holders, 1 large white pillar candle, green and deep blue sheets to borrow, helpers to set up and to clean up. Thank you, Ms. Therese

Morning Gate Duty

Our faithful morning Gate Duty Volunteer Brian Wyatt is taking a well deserved rest after a full year and a half of watching out for our safety. He is leaving some big shoes to fill on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 7:45 to 8:15 am. Please talk to Miss Francis or Miss Beni if you are interested and able to take on this important welcoming role. A very big thank you to Brian for his dedication and thank you to all the other gate duty and playground volunteers. Our kids are so lucky to have you and you are all the best!

PARENT UNIVERSITY

Basketball Olympics

Wanted women who are will be 48 years of age or older after February 28, 2005, to begin training in January 2005 for the 2007 senior Olympics. Call Deborah Hoolsema @ 443-9892.

Djembe (Drumming) Class

Save our Wilderness Areas