Last Friday, Westchester Day School (WDS) kindergarteners proudly hosted family and friends for their siyum sefer Bereishit. This meaningful celebration marked the culmination of their study of the book of Bereishit and highlighted the core values of the WDS Early Childhood program: hands-on learning intertwined with meaningful Jewish experiences.
The journey began earlier this year when the kindergarteners started exploring Bereishit. Each week they engaged with parshat hashavua using a dynamic, multi-sensory approach. Storytelling, art, music and literature brought the lessons of the Torah to life, making the narratives accessible and inspiring for young learners.
As part of their learnings, students then compiled the weekly parshiyot into their very own sefer Torah, complete with hand-made personalized Torah covers. This process deepened their connection to their Jewish identities and Torah learning, providing a real sense of accomplishment for the children.
The siyum sefer Bereishit was a testament to the creativity and dedication of the WDS Early Childhood educators. By immersing students in engaging and meaningful activities, they cultivate a genuine love of learning and a strong foundation in Jewish traditions. These experiences empower the students to develop leadership qualities that will guide them as future contributors and leaders within the Jewish community.