Staff photo / Bob Coupland Students and staff of the Akiva Academy in Youngstown celebrated Hanukkah on Thursday with a program, “The Story of Hanukkah.” Lighting the menorah are, from left, National Honor Society members Shaniah Coleman and Tremaine Alexander, at right, with Kobi Sigler, assistant principal.

YOUNGSTOWN — Students of the Akiva Academy shared a special message about the reason behind the celebration of Hanukkah during a program held Thursday at Stambaugh Auditorium.

That message is important not only for the holiday season but in the world today, following shootings at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, Australia, this past weekend.

Kathy Mioni, principal at the Akiva Academy, said the staff and students wanted to explain what Hanukkah is all about.

The program, “The Story of Hanukkah,” tells of the important components of the holiday, Mioni said.

She said students narrate the Hanukkah story about the Jews battling the Greeks, the history of the dreidel, lighting the menorah and preparing the latke, which included singing, dancing and skits by nearly 185 students in kindergarten to eighth grade at the school.

“We have a campaign at the school this year about standing up against anti-semitism. Our message is to ‘Let Your Light Shine’ for all cultures and all faiths,” Mioni said.

Mionii said the staff created the program to resemble a conversation about Hanukkah, with different short segments on different themes inserted in between.

“There is always a lot of dancing in the Hanukkah program, which the students enjoy. There is a grand finale at the end where the whole school sings ‘Don’t Let Your Light Go Out.” We will get the whole audience to sing and share that hopeful message of what we can all do together in the world,” she said.

Lisa Long, CEO of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, said she felt it was important to speak about the recent tragedy in Australia.

“Originally, I was not going to talk but keep this all about the kids. This is their night to shine. After what happened on Sunday, I felt that I had to acknowledge that this is a different Hanukkah this year. It is hard to be in a celebratory spirit because of what has happened. The message is that Hanukkah is even more important in our darkest days. It is the most important time to shine our light together,” Long said.

She said the program is like “a Broadway production for the students.”

“Last year, when I attended, it was the best rock concert I have ever seen. The students and staff have so much fun with this. It is so heartwarming to see all the people here, both Jewish and non-Jewish, to support us.” Long said.

She said it is so important for people from all different backgrounds to come together.

“The story of Hanukkah is about the story of survival and standing up for who you are.

“Anti-Semitism is not just something from the past but continues to exist today,” Long said.

She said for Jewish families, the pain is personal, but the support received for standing against hate is helpful, as well as the condemnation of what happened.

“Your voices and compassion have mattered to the Jewish community. Hanukkah matters most in our darkest moments,” she said.

Long said students show they understand Hanukkah by showing kindness to one another.

“You are helping to make the world better by showing respect to people who may be different from each of us. When others stand with us, the light grows stronger and stronger,” she said.

Students lit five candles of the menorah to mark the fifth day of Hanukkah.

Kobi Sigler, assistant principal at the Akiva Academy, said the essence and history of Hanukkah is what students wanted to share this year.

“They are sharing the message of Hanukkah in a meaningful and engaging way,” Sigler said.

Student Alex Bielecki, 11, of Niles, was one of the program narrators and said it is important to share the message of Hanukkah.

His parents, Ken and Jennifer Bielecki, said they have listened to Alex practice for his role in the program.

“We know all the hard work and preparation the students have put into this. We look forward to this event every year,” Jennifer said.

Sabrina Dorsey of Youngstown was there to see her grandchildren perform.

“They are so excited to be singing and dancing. I love seeing all the kids perform and sharing what Hanukkah is all about,” she said.