Seventh and eighth graders had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Chanuka-themed Torah learning with our high school Kollel and Midrasha Fellows, guided by Rosh Kollel Rabbi David Weiss and Rosh Midrasha Mrs. Moriah Weiss.
This special program brought the high school’s dynamic, small-group text study model to the middle school, building a meaningful bridge between the two campuses — and giving students an exciting glimpse into what’s ahead at NSHA!
In small groups led by Fellows, students explored the topic, “Forgetting What’s Important and Yearning to Remember.” They revisited the Chanuka story with a sharp eye for how the Greeks sought to sever the Jews’ connection to Torah, and convince them their heritage was not important.
The Kollel and Midrasha Fellows helped make the Torah learning relevant to students’ lives by discussing why we sometimes act in a manner that contradicts our values and beliefs, and how we can better remember and live by our core values.
A special highlight was when Rabbi Steven Lieber, one of the Kollel Fellows, met eighth grader Noah– and realized he had taught Noah’s sister, sophomore Ellie, only an hour before! He was able to pose the same Chanuka-related question to each sibling, who offered different answers that reflected their learning journeys.
The students’ smiles, as well as the enthusiastic feedback from the Fellows, spoke volumes about the success of this new program. Thank you to all involved for enriching our middle schoolers’ Chanuka learning, and deepening their lifelong connection to Torah!
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