BPY’s eighth grade Gemara shiur has been focused on the intricate complexities of the halachot of kinyan—how one acquires an object according to the Halacha, either via a sale, a gift or taking possession of an ownerless object. The talmidim and talmidot have been exploring the five different forms of kinyan, and have analyzed the series of kushyot (problems raised) and terutzim (resolutions) in the Gemara’s discussion. Perhaps even more importantly, the students are developing their skills for independent learning, by mastering key words and phrases in Aramaic, Gemara “syntax rules,” and the mapping of each sugya (unit or topic) in the Gemara. The results of their weekly quizzes attest to this mastery—and with mastery of independence in learning comes a lifelong love of engagement with Torah SheBeAl Peh. Chazak u’ baruch to the eighth graders.