Every single recess break for months, the Sefer HaMitzvos Yahadus Book 2 could be found in Miriam Schechter’s hands. Miriam, a fifth-grade student at Cheder Chabad Girls of Long Island, has been studying Yahadus Book 2 along with all of her classmates. With intense dedication, these girls studied the 613 mitzvos of the Torah based on how the Rambam organized them into 14 sefarim. They were participants in the international Chidon Sefer HaMitzvos competition organized by Tzivos Hashem.
To join, the students in fifth grade learned 134 mitzvos in the Rambam’s sefarim of Zemanim, Nashim, Kedushah, and Hafla’ah, memorizing many details and halachos about each mitzvah. Mushka Lieberman, Miriam Schechter, Chanie Geisinsky, and Vichna Edelkopf took three qualifying tests. They have been studying night and day and testing each other with questions like, “Where does the mitzvah of orlah apply?” “What’s the punishment for eating tevel?” “Which years of a 19-year cycle are leap years?” or “What are the signs of a kosher locust?”
Finally, all of their learning came to a highly anticipated climax. Students who scored high scores on the qualifying tests were invited to join a spectacular Shabbaton with over 1,000 girls from around the world! All four students scored high enough to join the Shabbaton. Over the weekend, they took the final test on all 134 mitzvos and had a great time at the Shabbaton, where they made new friends and went on many trips.
The highlight of the entire competition was the grand Chidon Sefer HaMitzvos Game Show , where the girls were challenged with fast questions. Mushka Lieberman was the school representative on stage at the chidon. It was Mushka’s second year as the school representative at the International Chidon. The girls left the crowd speechless at how much knowledge they have acquired! They really showed what “Yagati u’matzasi ta’amin” is all about!
The Long Island girls came home with honors! Mushka earned a plaque and medal, Miriam a plaque, and Chani and Vichna earned certificates.
The girls are excited to start studying the next book, learning for next year’s chidon!
