Second-grade talmidim of Cheder Menachem in Kingston, Pennsylvania, concluded the school year with a special accomplishment, publishing a self-produced kovetz filled with questions and answers on the Chumash they learned throughout the year.

The kovetz, compiled by the talmidim under the guidance of their dedicated rebbi, Rabbi Yitzchok Roness, contains a selection of the many questions the boys raised while learning Chumash, together with answers drawn from the meforshim.

According to Rabbi Roness, the questions themselves were among the highlights of the year.

“Throughout the year, one of the greatest sources of enjoyment in our Chumash learning was the questions raised by the talmidim,” Rabbi Roness said. “Their questions often led me to look more carefully at a pasuk and search through the meforshim.”

Rabbi Roness noted that the talmidim’s questions frequently echoed those raised by the rishonim and acharonim throughout the generations, a sign that the boys were genuinely grappling with the pesukim rather than simply moving through the material.

“Chazal teach, ‘Metalmidai yoser mikulam.’ As much as a rebbi teaches his talmidim, he learns from them even more,” Rabbi Roness said.

The kovetz was just one of many accomplishments the class celebrated this year.

The talmidim learned through four complete parshiyos of Chumash and progressed well into a fifth, mastering more than 550 pesukim together with Rashi. Every pasuk was reviewed numerous times until the boys became comfortable reading, translating, and understanding it, while their thoughtful questions challenged both themselves and their rebbi to delve more deeply into the words of Chazal and the meforshim.

Beyond Chumash, the class covered a broad curriculum throughout the year. In Halacha, the talmidim learned many areas of practical halacha, including Hilchos Shabbos, Hilchos Kashrus, Hilchos Talmud Torah, Hilchos Seforim, Hilchos Bein Adam L’Chaveiro, Hilchos Netilas Yadayim, and Hilchos Berachos. Their progress in Halacha was recognized with signed certificates after successfully completing a test administered by local Rov, Harav Gedalia Oberlander. 

Throughout the year, the boys also learned Parshas Hashavua, inyonei Geulah U’Moshiach, and Sefer HaMitzvos every day, continuing this daily learning faithfully through the very last day of Cheder and are continuing throughout the summer with Rabbi Wilmowsky  They strengthened their kriah skills, learned to read Rashi script, memorized Tanya ba’al peh, and completed the first volume of the Frierdiker Rebbe’s Zichronos. Hands-on projects, stories, and niggunim, helped bring the learning to life. Reflecting on the year, Rabbi Roness said it was a tremendous zechus to learn with each of the talmidim.

“I am confident they will continue going meichayil el chayil, constantly growing and reaching even greater heights,” he said.

Download the kovetz here.

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