It was a recognition and celebration of independent Torah learning for boys in the JEC Lower School’s fourth and fifth grades this week as students were rewarded for Torah studied on their own over winter break.

Rabbi Carlebach’s and Rabbi Kramer’s students earned a dodgeball tournament, which yielded enthusiastic cheering and boisterous laughter that reverberated throughout the hallways.

“Sounds like a celebration in there,” said a parent as she passed the gym, “That positive energy is infectious and it’s bringing joy to the entire building.”