Oholei Torah Hosts Game Show “V’Shinantam”

In effort to further increase the excitement and enthusiasm of the Talmidim of the Mechina Division of Oholei Torah, an ongoing a game show styled competition called V’Shinantam”, has been initiated and is now wrapping up its second season.

The game is based on the Gemorah that the talmidim are currently learning, so it does not require extra limud, but it does encourage a deeper understanding and sharpness on the subject being learnt.

The All Star winners were recently announced for the seventh and eighth grade “Veshinantam” championships.

Founded in memory of Rabbi Moshe Abelsky A’H, a beloved staff member in Oholei Torah, the eight week program splits each class into groups. Representatives race to hit their buzzers and correctly answer the questions before their counterparts. Veshinantam serves as added motivation and incentive to properly review and fully internalize the studies.

“It’s an excellent tool to help generate excitement for Limud HaTorah,” says Rabbi Sholom Goldstein, Principal of Oholei Torah’s Mechinah Division. “We’re tremendously proud of incredible work our talmidim put in, and successful results are easy to see.”

Teachers say they often receive calls from parents and tutors inquiring as to what material is required for the next game. “It is incredible to see these young talmidim so fluent and sharp in an entire Perek of Gemara, as if it were all on the palm of their hands,” said Rabbi Pinchas Rieber, a veteran 7th grade rebbe.

Adding another dimension to the competition is that, each student is able to achieve higher personal points in addition to the group competition. A seventh grade student, Schneur Zalman Edelman, reached the highest level of “Reish Mesivta.”

“It’s wonderful to see Oholei Torah talmidim pouring over seforim at shuls and Batei Midroshos throughout Crown Heights,” says Rabbi Yehuda Matusof, director of Veshinantam. “This year, the program succeeded far beyond our expectations, and we look forward to seeing the program continue to grow in future years.”

“My son spent hours learning in his free time – by choice!” said a parent of one of the winning Talmidim, “Veshinnatam has helped give the young boys an extra push to learn.” Every night he was out trying to learning a little more. I am so proud of him! Thank you to all those who worked on this important project!

The project is funded by many Crown Heights community members, who partnered with Oholei Torah and brought this V’Shinantam project to the level it is today.