Writes+of+Passage

A rite of passage is a ritual or ceremony marking an event in one's life. It indicates a transition of responsibility from one stage to another. In Jonas's community, it demonstrates a new level of maturity as children begin to get older. Rites of passage are important because they help keep everything orderly and structured.

The Epstein School utilizes many different rites of passage. For example, When a child begins kindergarten, they must wear uniform. When a child reaches first grade, they receive their first siddur. Receiving a siddur is very important because it shows that you are responsible enough to care for your own prayer book, as it is a very holy object in Judaism. In addition to getting a siddur, first graders get their first oppurtunity to experience maccabiah, a day full of fun and spirit as different colored teams compete against each other for victory.

Fifth grade is a very special year because the students get to participate in Gesher, a ceremony that celebrates all of their past years in elementary school and the preparation for starting middle school. It gives them a chance to look back on their wonderful years of lower school. It also gives them the oppurtunity to think about their future years in middle school. Fifth graders also get the amazing experience of going on their first over-night trip. They visit Mentone, Alabama for three days, and experience enjoyable hikes and fun camp activities.

At the Epstein School, eighth grade is a very exciting year, which includes memories that will last a lifetime. At the end of the school year, they get to travel to Israel. It is an incredible journey, and it gives the eighth grade a lot of time to bond, as they will be going off to high school shortly after the trip. Soon after Israel is maccabiah day. Although students in first grade and higher get to participate, the eighth graders are considered captains of their team. There are about five to six eigth graders per team, and they are responsible for making all of the team cheers as well as being good leaders. Being captains of maccabiah teams allows the eighth graders to show the school how they have grown from wild children into mature leaders and young adults. Lastly, before the eighth graders leave for high school, there is a big graduation held for them. Although it is great that they have come so far by completing middle school, it is a very sad time because they must say goodbye to their friends. It is very difficult for eighth graders to say goodbye to all of their friends at graduation becuase they have known each other for so many years and been through a lot together. Even though it may feel like the end for the eighth graders, it is only the start of something new.

As as described in the information above, rites of passage clearly have a big effect on the Epstein School. Every rite of passage has a big significance. Without rites of passage, the Epstein School would have a lot more chaos and a lack of organization. Rites of passage are very meaningful to many children at the Epstein School when they begin a new grade level, because it only means more responsibility and excitement for them.