Torah 4 Teens Graduate

An enthusiastic crowd of over 200 students, teachers, parents and siblings recently packed into the new Chabad Romano Centre in Richmond Hill to partake in the annual graduation and award ceremony of Torah for Teens, an independently run, non-profit high school under the auspices of Chabad Youth Network of Ontario.

The primary focus of the school is to provide a Judaic Studies curriculum for Jewish youth across the GTA whereby they can enrich their Jewish identity and strengthen the ties to their culture and heritage. Other than a nominal administrative fee, there is no cost for the accredited courses.

As participants continuously strolled in, they were greeted by a lavish Viennese sweet table, elegantly set up in honor of this timely event. Families and friends chatted together amidst a backdrop of dinner music, softly played by student pianist, Ethan Avinoam.

As the program began, every chair in the house was occupied in anticipation of students’ speeches and the distribution of awards marking academic achievements. Speeches were spiked with comedy, humor, sincerity and insight. Students passionately spoke about the dedication of their teachers, and their love for this unique program.

Wrote Avital Sternin, Gr. 11, in her testimonial: “This year in Torah 4 Teens I gained a greater appreciation for Judaism and learned how to bring Judaism into my life on an everyday basis. It is thanks to this class that I now identify more strongly as a Jewish teen. Thank you T4T!”

Likewise, teachers spoke about their personal gratification in teaching this course. As one teacher, quoting the Talmud, proudly proclaimed: “Throughout all my educational gleanings, from my students I learned the most. They are as vital to me as I am to them.”

The evening was highlighted by a video presentation, created by students Sara Levy and Samantha Bell, clipping various events and trips that took place throughout the academic year. In addition to in-class learning and great discussions, accompanied by kosher food and snacks, students participated in a fun-filled and educational New York trip, an amazing ski trip to Mont Tremblant, and inspiring Friday night Shabbat dinners.

The graduation ceremony ended with a group picture, and a gift for each student consisting of a signature T4T stainless steel water bottle.

The main venue for the program is located at Chabad Youth Network in Thornhill. The center is equipped with a lounge, X-box, ping pong table, Guitar Hero and more, of which students avail themselves during breaks.

Torah 4 Teens Principal and teacher, Rabbi Shmuli Nachlas, is also Founder and Director of Chabad Youth Network, and serves as the backbone of the entire program. Classes for next year will, G-d willing, be expanded to offer more time slots and grade levels. For more information and registration, call Rabbi Shmuli Nachlas at Chabad Youth Network, 905-889-7502 or visit us online www.JewishYouth.ca