Rosh Chodesh Kislev brought an extra burst of excitement to Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe as talmidim across the Early Childhood Program, Elementary School, and Junior High gathered for spirited mesibos marking the beginning of the month of nesim.
In the Early Childhood Program, the boys joined together for a lively “Dreidel Dancing” activity. Morah Ahuva introduced the children to the deeper meaning of the dreidel, explaining how it was used to distract the Yevanim and allow Jewish children to continue learning Torah in secret. The boys reviewed the letters on the dreidel—Nun, Gimmel, Hei, and Shin—and discussed their message: Neis Gadol Haya Sham (“A great miracle happened there”). Morah Ahuva also pointed out the meaningful distinction in Eretz Yisrael, where the Shin is replaced with a Pey for Po (“here”), reflecting that the miracles of Chanukah took place there—in our holy land.
The children then broke into song, belting out “I Have a Little Dreidel” with hilarious substitutions. Their dreidels were suddenly made of sand, snow, and soap instead of clay—bringing waves of laughter echoing through the lunchroom. The fun continued with a high-energy round of “Dreidel Freeze Dancing,” adding movement, music, and pure joy to the celebration. The boys left the program excited to continue learning about Chanukah with their morahs.
Meanwhile, students in Grades 1–4 and 7–8 marked Rosh Chodesh Kislev with their own festive mesibos in the yeshivah dining room. The Junior High enjoyed a special Rosh Chodesh breakfast followed by inspiring divrei chizuk from Rabbi Yisroel Kramer, rav of Kehillas KGH and Rosh HaYeshivah of Yeshivas Maayan HaTorah.
Grades 1–4 celebrated with spirited singing, “Nachas Gram” raffles, and one of assistant menahel Rabbi Ahron Bookson’s beloved stories—always a highlight for the younger grades. The ruach, smiles, and camaraderie set a beautiful tone for the month ahead.
With Chanukah approaching, the atmosphere throughout YTM was filled with anticipation, pride, and the joy of shared Torah learning.