Basking in the Hewlett-Woodmere community’s religious diversity

After a well-deserved holiday break, Hewlett High School students and staff are back in action. Our Hewlett family enjoyed a week of diverse celebrations that hopefully prepared them for an exciting return back to school on April 6. 

The Jewish holiday of Passover began March 27 and lasted through April 4. On this holiday, the Jewish people rejoice in their liberation and exodus from slavery in Egypt. Although the holiday itself is surrounded by sorrowful stories, the two Seders — ceremonial dinners — that take place the first two nights of the holiday allow families to spend quality time together. 

Junior Hayden Millman said she enjoyed a “big dinner with [her] parents and brother who [she does] not see as often as [she wants].” Millman loves that the holiday “brings [them] together, even if it is just for a short period of time.” 

The next holiday our students celebrated took place from March 28 until 29. Holi is a joyous Hindu holiday that welcomes the beginning of spring. “Holi is the Festival of Colors,” said Hiral Chavre, also a junior. “The traditions of Holi are to throw around bright colored powders, eat sweets and celebrate through music and dance. The colored powders represent various ideas including happiness, life and nature. It is a time to have a lot of fun with friends and loved ones.”

April 4, the Christian holiday of Easter was celebrated by those that believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Senior Ava Barone described her family’s traditions for this holiday. “I went over to my grandma and nonna’s house and had traditional Italian food and desserts. We had an Easter egg hunt at my grandma’s house and my cousin got the golden egg,” Barone said. 

The beauty of Hewlett High is that we are a melting pot of cultures. It is these different backgrounds and traditions that make our students and staff better, and our district unique and strong.