This week we had our annual ethnic evening, where our girls participated in a mock 'Henna' celebration. A Henna is a traditional Moroccan/Yemenite festivity performed around the time of a marriage. It is a custom that dates back hundreds of years. It was an opportunity for our girls to get a taste of various cultures and their unique minhagim.

Yehudit came to Israel, from Yemen, on Operation Magic Carpet in 1949. She brought outfits traditionally worn by Yemenite Jews during their wedding and the Henna. The girls got dressed up, some as little girls, older women, men, and Rabbis. They looked great! Yehudit told us about the different customs and explained interesting traditions. For example, the Yemenite women do not wear any jewelry that is entirely gold, because of the chet ha'egel. Jewish girls in Yemen begin to cover their hair when they are but a few months old. She taught the girls Yemenite songs and dances and the girls danced the night away – Yemenite style. The atmosphere got especially fun when we had a mock wedding, and saw what a Yemenite chattan (Charlie Perton) and Kallah (Jenna Spector) actually look like!!! Did you know that in Yemen wedding celebrations last for 30 days!

The girls had a great time- they danced, sang, and even tasted Yemenite food!  The Beit Midrash was echoing with Yemenite rhythm! Fagie, Malka, and the Rakazot joined the festivities and had a wonderful time as well.