The energy at YTTL Montreal was palpable today as students and staff gathered for a “double simcha,” combining the joy of Chamisha Asar Bishvat with a monumental Siyum HaRambam.

The day began with a high-energy rally led by Rabbi Menkes, but the highlight was a moment of true Chinuch pride. Mendel Karp, an 8th-grade student, took the stage to make a Siyum on the entire Rambam. Mendel began this ambitious journey three years ago when he was just in 5th grade, and his accomplishment served as a powerful inspiration to the younger students watching.

Following the rally, the gym was transformed into an interactive educational experience organized by Rabbi Bresinger. In a creative twist, the carnival featured 14 unique booths, each meticulously designed to represent one of the 14 books of the Mishneh Torah.

While every station offered a unique way to visualize the Rambam’s teachings, some of the highlights included:

• Sefer Ahavah: Students participated in a “Pin the Mezuza” challenge, attempting to affix a Mezuza to the correct spot on a doorpost while blindfolded.

• Sefer Zmanim: The boys raced against the clock to find “Chametz” hidden inside a large box of Legos, simulating the Bedikas Chametz process.

• Sefer Shoftim: Students tested their aim by throwing bean balls to knock down targets representing the excess silver and wives that a Jewish King is restricted from having.

The success of the event was a true team effort. The boys of Kita 5 and 6 took charge, running the booths, designing colorful posters for each station, and preparing beautiful grape kabobs for the school to enjoy.

The festive atmosphere was set by Mark Besner, who filled the gym with balloons, and Rabbi Bochurberg, who kept the chayus high with lively music throughout the afternoon.

To cap off the festivities, a huge thank you goes to Rabbi Gottleib, who brought and personally ran the delicious chocolate fountain! In honor of Chamisha Asar Bishvat, every student had the opportunity to dip fresh grapes into the chocolate, reciting a bracha and enjoying a sweet treat to celebrate the Rosh Hashanah La’Ilanos.