YTM recently celebrated a significant milestone with its fifth grade Haschalas Gemara event, marking the beginning of formal Gemara study for its young talmidim. Throughout the start of the school year, the fifth grade boys diligently prepared for this occasion by learning about the foundations of Gemara and Torah She’Baal Peh, guided by their devoted rabbeim and menahelim.
On Sunday morning, November 9, families joined together with the students and staff for the heartfelt Gemara mesibah, officially welcoming the boys into the world of Talmud study. Rabbi Don Pacht, menahel, opened the program with warm words to greet the assembled families and talmidim. Rabbi Herschel Welcher, rav of Congregation Ahavas Yisroel and proud grandfather of two fifth grade students, delivered an inspiring speech to both parents and children, offering encouragement and heartfelt wishes for success as the boys embark on this new step in their Torah learning.
The highlight of the event came as Rabbi Pacht called up each boy individually; together with his rebbe and Rabbi Welcher, each talmid was presented with his very first Gemara, marking a joyful initiation into Yam Hatalmud. The celebration continued with spirited dancing and a moving kumzitz led by Michel Krohn, followed by delicious refreshments enjoyed by all. The event included the participation of YTM Menahel Emeritus Rav Yaakov May.
The atmosphere of achdus and heartfelt emotion was palpable throughout the morning, reflecting the deep bonds shared within the yeshivah community as families, talmidim, and teachers marked this momentous achievement together.