At Tal Academy, something magical is brewing. And no, it’s not in the science lab. The school has just launched the Great Brachos Contest of the Year, and it’s turning lunchtime into a brachos bonanza.
Here’s how it works: Students recite brachos such as brachah rishonah, brachah acharonah, and Asher Yatzar with utmost accuracy. Each one earns them points. And those points? Oh, they’re no joke. They’re golden tickets to an epic end-of-year trip.
The best part? Kids are taking this seriously: so seriously that they’re using recess – the sacred time usually reserved for sports – to say more brachos. Loudly. Proudly. With gusto. One staff member said, “The excitement in the hallways is palpable,” which is code for: You can’t walk ten feet without someone making a brachah to a rebbi or morah.
Some students are even leaving voice notes with their brachos to earn bonus points. (No, it’s not homework. It’s just the kind of thing they’re choosing to do for fun.)
This initiative is doing more than strengthening k’riah and accuracy. It’s cultivating a deeper awareness of Hashem every day and infusing the school day with a spirit of unity and true simchas ha’mitzvos.
At Tal Academy, the blessings are being counted – literally – and the results are beautiful.
This isn’t just a contest. It’s a joyful, school-wide mission to thank Hashem.