LAGUNA HILLS : Students Get Lesson in Cultural Diversity

At a time when reports of riots and ethnic tensions often dominate the headlines, a group of Jewish and Christian students in south Orange County are proving that fellowship and friendship are alive in their school.

About seven weeks ago, the students of Morasha School, formerly located in Mission Viejo, learned that they would not be able to move onto their new campus in Aliso Viejo according to schedule.

After holding classes for four days in Laguna Niguel Regional Park, the 140 students and teachers of Morasha found temporary haven in a most unlikely place: St. George’s Academy of Laguna Hills, a 2-year-old Episcopal school that happened to have some extra classrooms available.

Since then, officials of both schools say, the students have had a chance to exchange their diverse cultural backgrounds and have discovered that they share as many similarities as differences.

“It has been the most magnificent experience,” said Chaim Heller, director of Morasha School. “We’ve found a sense of fellowship with these children, teachers and directors.”

Once officials at St. George’s Academy heard from a Morasha parent about the plight of the 6-year-old school, there was no question about helping out, according to the Rev. William Crist and the Rev. Tom Sandy.

“Some people would say it was the Christian thing to do, some would say it was the Jewish thing to do,” said Sandy, headmaster of the 210-student academy. “Simply, it was the right thing to do.”

On most mornings, the students from the two schools start the day with a flag-raising ceremony in front of the school.

After saying the Pledge of Allegiance, singing songs and sharing blessings, the Jewish students enter one of the school halls for their morning services in Hebrew, while the Episcopalian students walk to their church where they pray in English.

During break periods, children wearing yarmulkes play side by side with children wearing their plaid school uniforms.

“It’s really worked very well,” said Nancy McGuire, a first-grade teacher at the academy. “We had the space, we had the room, we’re all teaching. It’s nice that we can share our similarities and differences. It has helped us to grow.”

Students say their favorite part of the experience has been learning about each other’s religious holidays.

During the recent Jewish New Year, Morasha students invited St. George’s students to celebrate with apples and honey, songs and stories.

Another recent exchange occurred on Columbus Day.

“We’ve had lots of fun,” said Morasha third-grader Steven Eisenberg.

St. George’s third-grader Garland Cooper said that she too has enjoyed learning about the traditions of her new friends.

“At first we didn’t know what was going on,” she said. “That changed because we got to know each other better.”

While Morasha students may finally be able to move into their new school as early as Monday, students and officials say they have built bonds that will last for a long time.

“This is not the end of the relationship at all,” Crist said.

Already the schools are planning a Thanksgiving celebration.

And from now on, Sept. 10--the day Morasha came to the academy--will be celebrated as Fellowship Day, Heller said.

“Having someone who is different in our house has helped us to be more sensitive, to be more aware,” Crist noted.

“I think that’s an important benefit of real diversity: Everyone becomes more hospitable.”