Every school has its events that make it unique. But perhaps no school's unique event is as unique as our annual 7th grade chicken kashering. Conceived of as a natural outgrowth of the 7th grade Chumash curriculum, which spends considerable time discussing issues of kashrut, this program is designed to bring the learning to a more tangible and realistic level for our students.
Our day began with a viewing a video put out by Empire poultry about the kashering process, followed by a quick review of procedures for the day. Our 7th grade students then headed outside to receive their chickens and tools and the fun was on! Despite some initial discomfort with what is admittedly a messy process, most of our students eventually became if not experts, then at least a lot more familiar with what it takes to ensure that a chicken is kosher.
In the afternoon, after everyone had calmed down somewhat from the morning's excitement, we were privileged to hear a presentation from Rav Amram Cohen. Rabbi Cohen is an expert on issues relating to kashrut, and his presentation included actual animal parts (and one live animal) to allow our students to see what a split hoof on an animal or an extra toe on a bird (both signs that the creature is kosher) actually looks like.
We would like to thank all of the teachers who helped to make this day a wonderful one, as well as Mr. Markowitz for joining us and helping out, and we look forward to greeting everyone at the chicken dinner on May 12th.
