Ramadan at School and at Home
Monday, May 2—At the beginning of Ramadan, Culinary Director Heather Pierce wrote an email to faculty and staff to introduce a custom she started at other schools and was excited to bring to Winsor. “During the month of Ramadan, I like to invite students, faculty, and staff who are observing Ramadan to feel free to come see me about packing up a to-go lunch that they can enjoy after they break their daily fast. Be it a meal from the hot line, salad bar, deli bar, fruit, or even just a dessert or snack, they can still have a connection to the food culture here at Winsor throughout the month.”
The newly formed Muslim parent affinity group was excited for the arrival of Ramadan this year as well. The Muslim parent affinity group—open to all individuals and families who identify with Muslim culture—planned an iftar gathering for Sunday, April 24. Opening the fast at sunset, the gathering was outside under heat lamps at a private residence. Entire families were invited to the iftar, including current and incoming Winsor students (pictured).
In addition, Ummah presented during the school day and spoke with students about Ramadan. A Lower School club, Ummah strives to serve and support the social and spiritual needs of Muslims at Winsor by providing a space where they can share the particular experiences that come with their religious identity.
Finally, to celebrate the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr—the festival of breaking the fast—was observed on campus with a special lunch in the Dining Room. Ummah invited Chef Heather to their meeting and filled her in on their family customs to develop a menu which included chicken tagine with apricots and dates, vegan garbanzo bean tagine with apricots, couscous, vegetable samosas, tamarind chutney, mint chutney, and a date orange fruit salad.
Ramadan Mubarak to all who observed this year!
