Swampscott Jew Crew brings Hanukkah to Boys and Girls Club

SWAMPSCOTT-Holiday fun and learning about others was the theme of the day last Thursday at the Boys and Girls Club of Lynn.Seven teens from the North of Boston Jew Crew visited the Boys and Girls Club of Lynn with gifts from the Jew Crew Toy Drive.The Jew Crew volunteers spent time with 5- to 7-year-olds during an afternoon entitled “Learning About Others.”Jew Crew Director David Nathan said the afternoon began with a circle discussion about the season’s holidays and the traditions that accompany them.?It was a special treat to see the big kids in the little chairs and the little kids in the big chairs as the whole group sat together,” Nathan said. “It was impressive to see how interested and attentive the children were while listening to their older peers talk about the holidays. Equally as noteworthy was how eager the children were to answer questions about their own cultures and traditions, and many stories were shared about all the different foods they get to eat.”Following the questions and answer session, the Jew Crew teens lit a Hanukkah Menorah, sang Hanukkah and handed out chocolate coins as the children were quizzed on what they had learned.?Then the real fun started as the children were told to open the many bags of gifts,” Nathan said. “The children were very excited to hear that the toys were going to remain in their room and would be available to them whenever they come into the Boys and Girls Club.”Nathan said the children and teens alike ran around together trying out the new toys.?It was a very successful event,” he said. “And on the way back to Swampscott, the teens could not stop talking about how much fun they had and how excited they were to do a follow-up program with the same group of children.”Nathan said the North of Boston Jew Crew is dedicated to providing a positive environment where Jewish teens can socialize, learn, and grow in a way that encourages them to be proud of who they are. New members are welcome and anyone who would like more information on the Jew Crew should contact Nathan at [email protected] or 781-775-7981.