First Graders Lead a Joyful School-wide Tefillah

At the close of each school year at Brandeis comes a "Shehecheyanu moment"—when the first graders lead tefillah for the first time and receive their siddurim (hand-decorated prayer books) from their parents. This special tefillah is attended by all Brandeis students and faculty, along with first grade parents and their guests. Students—who one at a time spoke in front of the community—demonstrated strong public speaking and presentation skills, skills that will continue to be honed throughout their years at Brandeis. First graders also displayed impressive reading skills and mastery of the liturgy, including both traditional and modern melodies. Before the conclusion of the service, the first graders led everyone in a Brandeis tradition: “The Alef Bet," by the late singer-songwriter Debbie Friedman. 

  

Says Judaic studies teacher Sandra Menachem, “This morning truly a school-wide celebration, and the first graders rose to the occasion of becoming leaders in our community. May the first graders remember this special moment and keep on rising.” MORE PHOTOS