Torah learning outside the classroom is an integral part of the Ma’ayanot experience. Students enjoy Torah learning so much that many of them take on learning projects in addition to their meaningful and rigorous Torah classes. Ma’ayanot offers many opportunities for such learning, including two Torah publications, for parsha and for yamim tovim, and participation in Chidon HaTanach, including this year’s 12th grade runner up Ayelet Poupko (‘25). Students regularly learn Nach Yomi, Mishna Yomit, and four students are learning Daf Yomi! In addition, facilitated by Ma’ayanot’s Director of Torah Enrichment, Rabbi Donny Besser, students in all grades, together with a chavruta, can volunteer to take on a self-chosen learning project, both bekiut and b’iyun. On Tuesday, June 17, the Torah Enrichment students will celebrate their year of learning l’shmah. They will have an opportunity to reflect together on their learning and plan future goals. Torah Enrichment participants will also enjoy the Great Big Game Show at American Dream Mall, including two games customized with Ma’ayanot’s own Torah content.
“I love having time during the day to dive deeper into Torah learning beyond the classroom,” said freshman Rachel Shapiro, who learned both halacha and Tanach. Her chavruta, Leora Halpert, agreed: “Torah Enrichment is the highlight of my week! It gives me an opportunity outside of class time to learn in greater depth about topics that interest me.” Freshman Leah Barzideh, who learned Yevamot and Sefer HaChinuch, shared, “Through this wonderful program, I not only carved out time to learn with my incredible chavruta, and make Torah a larger part of my life, but I came away feeling like I truly owned my learning!” Her chavruta, freshman Ariella Price, added, “My religious life has been significantly elevated, and my Torah learning skills have grown in both depth and confidence.” Ma’ayanot helps each student connect to Torah in a way that speaks to her, and to find her own place in the beautiful and exciting world of Torah learning!
