The gym of YTTL Montreal was transformed into a beacon of light and joy this week, as the Yeshiva celebrated Chanukah with a spectacular carnival that united students, teachers, and the broader community in a display of true Chanukah joy.

The atmosphere was electric from the moment the boys entered. Chassidishe joyful music blasted through the speakers, setting a tone of palpable Chayus that lasted the entire event.

The carnival was a masterpiece of student leadership, organized and run entirely by the 7th Grade. These dedicated bochurim went above and beyond, designing beautiful, eye-catching posters to decorate the hall and manning the booths with energy and patience for the younger grades.

The creativity of the 7th graders shone through in the Chanukah-themed booths. The students had a blast trying their hand at a variety of challenges, including:

Lighting the Menorah: A test where kids attempted to place the flames while blindfolded.

The Dreidel Marathon: A competition to see who could spin the dreidel the longest.

The Search for Gelt: Digging through bins of rice to find hidden Chanukah gelt.

Maccabee Strength: A carnival classic where students aimed to “Knock down the Yevanim.”

The Purity Taste Test: A hilarious challenge where students had to taste the difference between “Tahor” and “Tamei” drinks.

The Jug of Oil: A sweet search for chocolate chips hidden inside a jug of marshmallows.

The event was graciously sponsored לעילוי נשמת צפרא בת עזריאל צבי הירש and organized by Rabbi Mendy Bresinger. 

Adding to the excitement, Mr. Mark Bessner provided both fresh cotton candy and a massive jumping castle, which was a major highlight for the energetic crowds. Of course, no carnival is complete without traditional treats; Rabbi Dovid Cohen generously sponsored delicious donuts for every single child and provided the beautiful, tall Menorah that illuminated the festivities.

A beautiful, tall Menorah, also provided by Rabbi Dovid Cohen, remained lit throughout the carnival, serving as a constant reminder of the Pirsumei Nisa (publicizing the miracle) at the heart of the celebration.

As the afternoon progressed, the doors were thrown open to the wider community. Many local families and little children joined in the festivities, soaking up the Chassidishe atmosphere and the Chanukah fun.

The event concluded with a powerful display of Jewish pride. The students and community members gathered right outside the Yeshiva for a Grand Public Menorah Lighting.

The ceremony was organized by Rabbi Dovid Cohen, and led by Rabbi Nachum Greenwald and Rabbi Mendy Berkowitz. As the flames flickered against the Montreal winter sky, the warmth of the community and the fire of Torah study at YTTL burned brighter than ever.

It was truly a Chanukah to remember—filled with fun, friendship, and the illuminated spirit of Chanukah!