Chumash Seuda

On Monday 2^nd March, Side by Side special needs school children celebrated their first ever Chumish Seuda and Siddur parties. After months of preparation Side By Side boys aged between 5 and 7 had their very first chumish seuda, in front of their teachers, parents and grandparents. The Boys performed a wonderful skit dressed as members of all the different nations approached by the melachim asking if they wished to receive the Torah until the one dressed as the Israelite said yes. They boys then went on to answer questions they had prepared on the chumish from their Rebbe and upon completing their questions and singing some songs they had learned, were each presented with a gift of a Sefer. The boys also wore beautiful crowns throughout their celebration, were kindly made by Mrs Taub. Special guest Rav Moishe Menachem Weiss, the Rav of Satmar addressed the boys and praised them for all of their hard work and dedication, whilst also praising the school for dedicating so much time and effort into the spirituality of the children.

The Girls celebration was held later in the afternoon, where they, whilst dressed in their best Shabbos clothes to mark the special occasion, received their very first siddur. Also aged 5-7, the girls had prepared songs to perform in front of their parents and grandparents. With their new siddur the girls will now use this proper siddur for davening instead of their picture one they had been using until now. Special guest Rebbetzen Weiss attended and spoke to all the children and staff praising them all before giving them a brocho. Side By Side also showed a video exhibiting some of the things the children has been learning in school including lighting Shabbos candles and singing vezakeini. The video also showed a role-play of a child ‘unwell’ in bed with the children praying for a refuah shelaimoh and another scenario of the children getting on a bus and saying tefillas haderech. Mrs Wilhem, Head of Kodesh at Side By Side also gave a beautiful speech to the girls, recognising how hard they had worked for thei siddur party.

In what was a very proud moment for both Side By Side Rebbes, teachers, students and their parents and grandparents, some of the children read from their chumish and siddurim and were able to translate some pesukim.

Mr Gerald Lebrett, Headteacher of Side by Side school said: “This is a really special event for all of the children, they have been so excited to for the chumish seuda and Siddur party and have all worked exceptionally hard to prepare for this day. Watching the children on stage gave the parents real nachas and we are so grateful to all the dedicated Rebbes and teachers who prepared the children so beautiful for this event.”

Parent of one of the children said: “It was very emotional to watch our children on stage celebrating their chumish seuda, in their wonderful crowns. This is a rite of passage for many children in the community and we are so grateful to Side By Side’s Rabbonim and teachers for helping our children reach this milestone in such a beautiful way.”