Yavneh’s middle school gathered together for an exciting Brachot Bee this past Wednesday. Morah Rachel Amster began by introducing the finalists, Ilan Bersson, Gabi Davis, Ami Forman, Emanuela Milman, Ashi Poltorak and Aviva Zelkowitz. The challenge then began. Morah Amster asked question after question with students buzzing in hoping to be the first one to answer correctly. The judges, Rabbi Aaron Ross and Josh Rossman, listened intently to ensure the answers were correct and complete. There were brief interludes where middle school raffle winners were announced for having participated in the 50, 75 and 100 brachot a day challenge. Students filled out cards to keep track of their daily brachot count; they challenged themselves to try to make 100 brachot a day. Congratulations to Yakira Mershon, Meirah Klayn and Judah Schreiber on winning bracha raffles. The Bee ended with Ami Forman winning the title of Brachot Bee Champion.

Ami, joined by his eighth grade classmates, then participated in “Who Wants to Be Brachanairre.” Mr. Rossman conducted the finale with difficult questions including, “What is the bracha that is said every 28 years?” and “What are brachot I only say once a year?” Ami did benefit from using his lifelines. Everyone ended the day as winners!

The Bee and raffle were the culmination of activities to promote using brachot throughout the day. Yavneh’s middle school students enjoyed Chopped with Naomi Nachman, an amen campaign, a brachot raffle and the in class bees leading to the Brachot Bee. Kudos to Yavneh’s programming team, Morah Rachel Amster, Morah Jordana Baruchov and Mr. Josh Rossman for bringing brachot to the forefront for all of us.