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Feature Story LIVING HISTORY After a five-year hiatus, Marketplace made a much-anticipated comeback with new faces in new places. Modern depictions of life in biblical times have dominated popular culture in the 21st century. While contemporary productions <strong>and</strong> archaeological finds have helped construct an idea of what life was like in Jesus’ day, imagining the world more than 2,000 years ago remains a challenge. Enter <strong>CHCA</strong>’s Marketplace. Born from a program written by Betty Goetz <strong>and</strong> Ruthie Bomberger, Marketplace transports young learners back in time to discover what life was like in ancient Israel. From tribal gatherings to Hebrew lessons <strong>and</strong> an outdoor market, Marketplace is an interactive five-day event that sees students from KPrep–grade 3 engaging with Scripture like never before. “When someone new asks me to describe Marketplace, I always say, ‘Think of VBS <strong>and</strong> multiply it by at least 100,’” says Holly Getter, Third Grade Teacher. “It makes everything have more meaning <strong>and</strong> context for the students.” “This five-day experience of reliving biblical times, events, occupations, <strong>and</strong> relationships truly helps acquaint our students with their Christian heritage,” adds S<strong>and</strong>y Breitholle, Principal at EBL. THE MARKETPLACE EXPERIENCE On pause for five years (due in part to Covid), Marketplace returned in <strong>2023</strong> bigger <strong>and</strong> better than ever. For the first time, North Campus students traveled to Armleder for a half-day celebration to open Marketplace. “We had never been able to do that!” says Breitholle. “Some of our classes have been reading <strong>and</strong> writing buddies, but we have never gotten to go to Armleder to meet with them, so this made it even more special.” “Hosting kindergarten through third grade EBL students the first two days gave Armleder students <strong>and</strong> staff an incredible opportunity to share a special place in our community <strong>and</strong> for all to feel valued, seen, <strong>and</strong> loved,” says Cammie Montgomery, Principal at Armleder. “We felt like family.” Following tradition, students opened the first morning by gathering in the gym, where they met with their respective tribes—each reflecting one of the 12 tribes of Israel—<strong>and</strong> kicked off the event with the ceremonial call of the shofar <strong>and</strong> prayer. Next came tribe time, during which students learned about the history of their tribe as well as Jewish traditions <strong>and</strong> home life. Dancing, music, games, <strong>and</strong> Hebrew School, led by our own Dr. Nicholas, provided cultural context, as did interactions with characters from the Bible <strong>and</strong> lessons on common food, clothes, <strong>and</strong> occupations of the time. Then came the main event: the market. Held outside under a large tent, the market included musical instrument, herb <strong>and</strong> spice, <strong>and</strong> jewelry shops, as well as a pottery station where one of <strong>CHCA</strong>’s high school students performed a live demonstration on a pottery wheel. An immersive experience, Marketplace is not without some theatrics, <strong>and</strong> this year proved to be a performance like no other. “Students are always on the lookout for the Roman tax collector who will dem<strong>and</strong> they pay their taxes,” says Getter. “This year, we were blessed to have a <strong>CHCA</strong> gr<strong>and</strong>father as our soldier one day <strong>and</strong> an alum on the second day.” Echoing its beginning, Marketplace concluded on the fifth day with a celebration. All 12 tribes gathered together to sing, dance, <strong>and</strong> listen to a special message by Rabbi Michael Wolf of Beth Messiah. BEYOND THE TENTS Lessons learned at Marketplace last long past the final celebration. “The students love Marketplace <strong>and</strong> always want to know when we will participate in it again,” says Getter. “Whenever something in Christian studies reminds them of Marketplace, or we look at a map that shows the 12 tribes, they want to tell me which tribe they were in <strong>and</strong> what they learned.” While students may not become archaeologists in the Holy L<strong>and</strong>, providing a tactile way for them to engage with ancient history reinforces the holiness of God’s provision for His people then <strong>and</strong> promise to be with us through the ages. “This experience really helps students underst<strong>and</strong> life as Jesus experienced it,” says Breitholle. “We read about it in the Bible, but the students can’t really grasp it until they have had this experience. Now they know what Jewish school is like <strong>and</strong> a marketplace like Jesus may have visited. It helps provide some great scaffolding for future learning about what they read in the Bible.” Plans are already underway for the next Marketplace, with big ideas for further integrating theological principles with period-appropriate activities, such as drawing water from a “well.” While every iteration of Marketplace will bring its own experiences, one thing is certain: This beloved tradition is here to stay. “It was challenging work planning this incredible week, <strong>and</strong> it got messy at times,” says Montgomery. “But to see our children worship with such passion <strong>and</strong> love for the Lord <strong>and</strong> for each other moved me to tears on our final day together. Our world will be a better place with these anointed children learning, leading, <strong>and</strong> serving the way!" 23