Graduating fifth-graders at The Lerner Jewish Community Day School, continuing a tradition of marking their graduation by giving a gift to the school, this year gave the school a Ga-ga.

Ga-ga, or Gaga ball, is a form of dodge ball that originated in Israel. The game is played within an octagonal enclosure usually made out of wood and commonly referred to as a "Ga-ga pit."

The object of the game is to eliminate players by hitting a ball with an open hand or fist into the region at or below another player's waist. The struck player is then out and must leave the playing area. Carrying, throwing or catching the ball after a bounce also results in elimination, as does hitting the ball unobstructed out of bounds. Hitting another player in the head or coming into physical contact with another player is a violation as well.

The name of the game comes from the word "Ga," which means "touch" in Hebrew. The game has gained popularity in English-speaking countries including Great Britain, Australia the U.S., especially in Jewish communities.

The Lerner fifth-grade class -- 17 students in all -- decided that a Ga-ga game would make a wonderful addition to the school. The game can be played by children of all ages, and Lerner includes students ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade.

The first graduating class seven years ago decided to start a tradition by make a parting gift to the school upon graduation. The gifts have ranged from benches in the school's friendship garden to basketball hoops.