Strains of the popular Mordechai Shapiro hit song filled the hallways of the JEC’s Rav Teitz Mesivta Academy over the past few weeks as students worked toward a 2,500 mitzvah goal in their inspiring ‘Chap a Mitzvah’ campaign.

Students were encouraged to focus on several key mitzvot, including extra learning during the school day, the recitation of Asher Yatzar when appropriate, giving tzedakah to benefit Chai Lifeline for a refuah shleimah for a fellow student who is battling cancer and the performance of an extra daily chesed, to name a few.

“The program created a constant awareness of, and encouragement about, the mitzvot we perform daily,” said Rabbi Yisroel Rich, RTMA’s director of student life. “Students were inspired to complete even more mitzvot on a daily basis, and that continues even now that the campaign is over.”

Chap A Mitzvah concluded last week with the final mitzvah performed by 11th grader Nachi Lowe of Highland Park, who was given the honor in recognition of an initiative that he introduced to the RTMA—a daily mishnayot learning program.

Students were also treated to a schnitzel sub buffet for their celebratory siyum luncheon, and although the lunch beckoned, students were quick to unite with their rebbeim, arm in arm, for singing and dancing.

As students continued their celebration in the hallways to the Mordechai Shapiro tune of “Chap Another Mitzvah,” they were greeted by visiting dignitaries from the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest and Prizmah as well as key communal philanthropists. “This was an extraordinary surprise,” said one of the visitors. “The energy here is inspiring and infectious. What a school!”