Last week, SAR Academy’s kitah bet (second grade) celebrated an important milestone: receiving their very first chumashim. The joyous occasion was marked by a chumash play, where the students showcased their enthusiasm for Torah learning through song, movement and Hebrew narration.

The performance began with the familiar “Briat HaOlam” song, setting the stage for a journey through the key themes of the Torah’s five books. Each song highlighted the essence of a book, creating a vibrant and memorable introduction to the Torah’s teachings.

Adding to the experience, the students created their own Briat HaOlam books, illustrating and writing about the world’s creation as described in Bereshit perek aleph. These personal projects reflected their understanding of the Torah’s opening narrative and demonstrated their creativity.

A highlight of the ceremony was the personalized brachot inside each Chumash. Parents shared thoughtful messages and wishes for their children, offering blessings for their Torah study journey. This personal touch made the chumashim even more special.

Rabbi Barry Dov Katz, a community rabbi and sofer, joined the celebration to teach the students about safrut—the sacred art of Torah writing. His visit enriched the students’ appreciation for the chumash and the traditions surrounding it.  The students are so excited to begin learning from their new chumashim.