This week, Westchester Torah Academy (WTA) held a truly special and meaningful event for the second grade class—Mesibat Chumash. This celebration marked an important milestone of receiving their first chumash in the students’ Jewish education, and it was a day filled with pride, joy and excitement for all involved.

After weeks of dedicated rehearsals, learning and hard work, the big moment finally arrived. The students took to the stage with confidence and enthusiasm, singing, reciting and joyfully receiving their first Chumash. What made this event especially special is that each student—boys and girls alike—studied one pasuk from the Torah and had the honor of layning it directly from a real Torah scroll, alongside Rav Bet HaSefer, Rabbi Avi Hoffman and accompanied by their parents, grandparents and other special persons. The event included an exhibit of the students’ works of art depicting the pasuk that they studied, which were on display for participants to enjoy.

In addition to this incredible honor, parents wrote heartfelt notes that were inscribed inside the front cover of each student’s custom Chumash. These personal messages, filled with best wishes and hopes for their children’s continued Torah learning, added an extra layer of warmth and significance to the occasion.

The pride on the students’ faces and the excitement in their eyes were clear to see as the students were each called up to receive their chumashim from Rabbi Avi, Head of School Deganit Ronen, Judaic Studies Principal Rabbi Yair Menchel and second grade Judaics Teacher Reut Reiss. It was a beautiful moment for everyone to witness. This event was not just a celebration of academic achievement and embrace of yahadut, but also a demonstration of the students’ growth, commitment and deep connection to their Torah studies.

A huge thank you to all the parents who attended and made this event so meaningful. Your involvement, support and heartfelt notes helped make this milestone even more special for the students.