For the first time in maybe decades, TABC’s students were caught completely by surprise by color war breakout, which took place last Wednesday, November 20. During an otherwise regular Wednesday at 1600 Queen Anne Road, all of a sudden the announcement came over the speakers during 10th period. That announcement came in the form of an original color war jingle written and sung by Co-Directors of Student Activities Rabbi Yakov Grun, Josh Lewis and Rabbi Ezra Stone. Over 300 puzzled students made their way up to the beit knesset, where the atmosphere suggested this was no fakeout; TABC’s second color war of 2024 (since last year’s took place in February) was here. The energy increased as students cheered on the announcements of their grade’s captains and generals. Alum Jason Bick ‘21 then led the boys in several introductory competitive games from Simon Says to literal hoop jumping. The next few days were a whirlwind of over 40 competitions that included everything from pickleball, mahjongg and panoply, to Torah and Tanach quiz games, cake decorating, kan jam and egg drops, to name just a few.

At Friday’s finale, each grade presented their banners, logos, and original artwork, all related to their assigned themes (Mayim, Ruach, Adamah and Aish). After their song presentations, the winners were announced. While at most schools, it is a foregone conclusion that the seniors will take top honors, that is not the case at TABC; last year’s sophomores entered color war as the defending champs. This year, the seniors did reclaim that title. Congratulations to the Class of 2025/Team Aish and to all the students of TABC for coming together for an incredible showcase of talent, teamwork and school spirit.