Jewish school children in two public schools in Denver are learning Chanukah songs, instead of Christmas carols. And instead of Christmas cards, the art classes draw Chanukah greetings.
The plan is in effect in two grammar schools, at the Cheltenham and at Colfax schools, the former having a Jewish enrollment of 98%, and the latter being almost equally divided between Jewish and non-Jewish pupils. The principal of both schools is William C. Shute.
“We do not stop at the negative virtue of mere tolerance,” Mr. Shute declared. “Jewish children in Denver schools have never been asked to sing Christmas carols, but it was not until last year that I found there were typical Jewish songs for this season. With the co-operation of Mrs. Max Michaelson, past president of the Denver Section, National Council of Jewish Women, and Mrs. Belle Goldfogel, president of the Cheltenham School Parent-Teacher Association, we selected songs from Jewish hymnals appropriate for the holiday. The art instructors were given typically Jewish designs for the art classes.”
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