On Saturday nights in the winter, the JEC hosts the Parent-Child Learning Program. Each week, the auditorium at the Union Y fills with families from around the greater Elizabeth/Hillside area who gather for an inspirational evening of learning, food and prizes. For the final program of this season there was an additional festivity. Over a dozen of the community’s youth, ranging in age from 6 to 13, celebrated completing several mesechtas of Mishanyot.

Beginning in late December, as the Mishna Yomit cycle began for the 14th time, we watched as our local youth learned through two mishnayot a day. While the topics are getting more advanced since Berachot, it is amazing to see so many of our young boys and girls keeping up, asking questions, and excited to learn with their parents. A WhatsApp chat, “Mishna Yomi Jr,” was started to share insights and answer questions to help guide parents navigating tough Mishnayot. On March 2, the children (and parents) completed Demai, their third mesechta in this cycle.

To celebrate, Coby Moradi of Hillside remarked on the accomplishment, sharing in some of the adventure he has experienced learning Mishnayot with his father. Following the speech, our sponsors provided extra hot food, snacks and ice cream, as well as upgraded prizes for each child in attendance.

The Parent-Child Learning Program provides a great environment for building strong Torah families. Thank you to Scott Susser (and family) for arranging the details on a weekly basis. Thank you to the season’s sponsors, as well as the additional sponsors for the siyum.

Chaim Pinsker is a father of three great kids, two of whom are currently keeping him up to date in the Mishna Yomi program. He lives in Hillside and can be reached at [email protected]