Many Faiths: One Community

The level of engagement, pride, and sense of belonging among students in the Needham Public Schools was highlighted recently when four student-led high school groups shared with the School Committee how their faith-based clubs are a way to express their religious identity, faith, and values. Student representatives from the Hindu Student Union (HSU), Jewish Student Union (JSU), Muslim Student Union (MSU) and Christian Student Union (CSU) provided the School Committee with information and context about their faith-based clubs and activities as well as how their religious and spiritual values are shared within the high school community for all students to participate in and understand.

Following are written excerpts from their presentation about the clubs:

• Jewish Student Union: Our club is incredibly impactful to the Jewish community among Needham, where we have consistently held meetings with over 30 Jewish students at the high school. In our biweekly meetings, we present slideshows on important current and historical events, and holidays that relate to Judaism. Additionally, we have interactive gatherings including art projects and food that relate to specific events on the Hebrew calendar. We also have had various meaningful discussions on the growing amount of antisemitism here in the US and globally. We had our second annual October 7th meeting, this year with a special guest, Rabbi Elyse Pincus Abrahams of Temple Beth Shalom in Needham. Students in our club had the opportunity to ask Rabbi Elyse about how to better navigate difficult conversations in the Middle East and how to approach each conversation with curiosity instead of animosity… We believe in the importance of a welcoming community, creating a space for all Jewish students to feel safe. (Excerpted from the remarks of JSU representatives Lily Fogelman and Sam Cornell.)

• Muslim Student Union: The MSU is a student-led club at Needham High School which aims to provide Muslim students with a sense of community and belonging… In Western societies, minority groups such as Muslims may feel isolated, making it one of MSU's main priorities to create an environment where students have a sense of connection, support, and representation. In addition to prioritizing community, MSU reinforces Muslim cultural practices and traditions while encouraging thoughtful discussions about modern-day challenges that Muslims globally face. In addition to prioritizing community, MSU reinforces Muslim cultural practices and traditions while encouraging thoughtful discussions about modern-day challenges that Muslims globally face… Through MSU's capabilities, students have access to a "prayer pass", one that excuses Muslim students from their fourth period to go to the teachers lounge and pray the Dhuhr prayer... The MSU is committed to promoting unity, compassion, and understanding while ensuring that Muslim students at Needham High School feel supported and valued. (Excerpted from the remarks of MSU representative, Jana Ghbeis.)

• Christian Student Union The Christian Student Union is a club focused on providing a community for people who are interested in exploring Christianity or want to learn more about the subject… Currently, we are running a Cradles to Crayons clothing drive in partnership with Project 351 and are eagerly partnering with Avenue Church on various events. Our goal is to provide a safe space for people to learn and explore their faith. At each meeting, we normally complete a get to know each other activity, as well as a small lesson where we dive into an aspect of Christianity, and close with a prayer. Currently, we are learning about the different sections of Christianity and how they are similar or different. It is a great way to get to know people in the community and bond with people who have similar interests! (Excerpted from the remarks of CSU representative, Brianna Sickmier.)

• Hindu Student Union: HSU at Needham High School is a student-led organization that creates a welcoming space for students to learn about, celebrate, and share Hindu culture, traditions, and values while building community with one another. We meet regularly to discuss holidays, cultural practices, and the historical and philosophical foundations of Hinduism, while also providing a supportive environment for students of all backgrounds who are interested in learning more. Members especially enjoy the sense of community and the opportunity to connect with others who share similar traditions or are curious to learn more. Our club focuses on promoting inclusivity, cultural awareness, and respect through open conversations, activities, and collaborative events. Throughout the year, we celebrate major festivals such as Diwali and Holi within our club, organize educational presentations, and plan cultural and service-oriented events that bring students together. HSU continues to grow as a space where students feel represented, valued, and proud of their heritage. (Excerpted from the written remarks of HSU representatives, Nandini Niranjan and Isha Nair.)

At a time when religious and ethnic differences can often drive wedges between people, I am proud of the young people of Needham who choose to build connections and community instead!

Note:  Many thanks to NHS junior and School Committee student representative Jack Arvedon for pulling this presentation of the faith groups together!