Last week, students of Kitah Alef reached an important milestone at their Siddur Celebration last Tuesday evening. They presented a play, "Choni Hama'Agail" (Choni, the Circlemaker) in Hebrew to the delight of parents, grandparents and special friends. In their play, Choni planted Charuvim (Carob Trees) throughout Israel just as his Saba (grandfather) had done. Charuvim do not bear fruit until 70 years after they are planted. There was no rain and the villagers said "B'vakasha t'tpalel LaGeshem (Please daven for rain)". Choni had a special connection to Hashem. He drew a circle in the dust and stood and said "I will not move from this circle until there is rain. Please we need geshem". Finally there was rain for a blessing, not too light and not too strong. The sun was hot and Choni fell asleep and slept for 70 years! When he opened his eyes, he saw the Charuvim he had planted and he recognized the gift of a long life Hashem had given him allowed him to see the fruit of his labor. Just as Choni was planting for his children and grandchildren, we at the Silver Academy hope to inspire the future generations of Jewish children. The evening culminated with Kitah Alef receiving their very own siddurim. Back in the classroom using their new siddurim, with covers they decorated with their parents, has given our morning davening a new dimension and a personal connection to the tefilot.

Kitah Alef and Morah Aviva wish you a Chag Shavuot Samayach!