Celebrating Our 4th Grade Siyuum: A Journey Through Sefer Bereshit
At Schechter, learning is more than just textbooks and tests—it’s about experiencing Jewish tradition in meaningful and immersive ways. One of the most anticipated milestones in our Lower School Judaic Studies curriculum is the 4th Grade Siyuum, a joyous culmination of our students’ journey through Sefer Bereshit (Genesis).
A Milestone in Learning and Tradition
Each year, our 4th graders bring the Torah’s stories to life through a spirited performance that blends Torah learning, music, drama, and dance. This beloved tradition showcases their deep understanding of Jewish history, values, and storytelling while celebrating their completion of the first book of the Torah.
This year’s Siyuum took place on Thursday, May 22, with family, friends, and faculty gathering to watch the students proudly share their learning.
Nanci Caplan, Associate Head of School, shared the significance of this milestone:
"At Schechter, we believe that learning should be both meaningful and joyful. The 4th Grade Siyuum is a perfect reflection of that philosophy—our students engage deeply with the text, develop confidence on stage, and create a shared experience that strengthens their Jewish identity."
What is a Siyuum?
A Siyuum (סִיּוּם) is a Jewish tradition that marks the completion of studying a sacred text. In Jewish communities worldwide, completing a book of Torah or Talmud is met with celebration and gratitude, often through a festive meal, speeches, and special blessings.
For our 4th graders, the Siyuum is an opportunity to reflect on their learning journey, embrace the wisdom of our ancestors, and take pride in their accomplishments. Through interactive storytelling, engaging performances, and heartfelt songs, our students make Torah study an active, joyful, and creative experience.
Our Judaic Studies team, who have guided students through Sefer Bereshit, emphasized how transformative this experience is:
"The Siyuum is a true celebration of learning. Our students don’t just study Sefer Bereshit—they bring it to life. Through storytelling, song, and performance, they gain a deep connection to the Torah’s lessons and see themselves as part of our people’s ongoing journey."
Bringing Bereshit to Life Through Music & Performance
The 4th Grade Siyuum is no ordinary presentation—it’s a full-fledged performance that transforms the narratives of Bereshit into a musical and theatrical spectacle.
From Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to Joseph’s dramatic journey in Egypt, each scene is brought to life through a combination of Hebrew and English narration, student-led acting, and vibrant musical numbers.
This year’s performance featured original songs and creative parodies of popular hits, including:
🎵 Gan Eden (Set to “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus) – A fun and poignant retelling of Adam and Eve’s time in the Garden of Eden.
🎵 Lech Lecha (To the tune of “Better Place” by *NSYNC) – A powerful anthem about Avraham’s faith and journey to Cana’an.
🎵 Yaakov & Esav (Set to “Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift) – A dynamic retelling of the classic sibling rivalry between Yaakov and Esav.
🎵 Pharaoh’s Dream (Inspired by Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat) – A dramatic interpretation of Joseph’s gift of dream interpretation.
🎵 Finale: Any Dream Will Do – The grand, uplifting conclusion, sung by all 4th graders in both Hebrew and English.
Music is at the heart of the Siyuum, and as our music teacher explains:
"Music has the power to transform learning, and the 4th Grade Siyuum is a perfect example of that. Watching students connect with the Torah’s stories through song and dance is inspiring. They leave this experience not only with knowledge but with melodies and memories that will stay with them for years to come."
Why the Siyuum Matters
This Siyuum is more than just a performance—it’s a celebration of learning, growth, and Jewish identity.
📖 Deepening Torah Knowledge – Our students have spent the year immersed in Sefer Bereshit, learning its stories, values, and lessons.
🎭 Creative Expression – By acting, singing, and dancing their way through the Torah’s narratives, students engage with the text in a hands-on and memorable way.
🤝 Community & Celebration – Family, friends, and faculty come together to witness this milestone, reinforcing the importance of Jewish education and tradition.
💡 Building Confidence & Leadership – Standing in front of an audience and sharing their learning helps students develop public speaking skills, stage presence, and teamwork.
Sager School Principal Suzanne Mishkin reflected on the significance of this moment for students:
"Seeing our 4th graders take ownership of their Torah learning in such a creative and dynamic way is truly remarkable. The Siyuum is more than just a performance—it’s a milestone that represents growth, confidence, and a deepening connection to Jewish tradition."
A Look Back at the Siyuum
The 2024 4th Grade Siyuum was an unforgettable experience, filled with joy, ruach (spirit), and nachas (pride). The students’ dedication and enthusiasm were evident in every song, dance, and Torah lesson they shared.
💬 Parent Testimonial: “Watching my child take the stage and bring Torah to life was an incredibly moving experience. The way Schechter integrates learning with creativity is truly special.”
💬 Student Reflection: “I loved being a part of the Siyuum! It made the Torah feel real, and I’ll never forget singing with my friends.”
📸 Check out all the photos from the event on our Instagram & Facebook pages!
L'dor V'dor: Passing the Torch to Future Torah Learners
As this year’s 4th graders close the chapter on Sefer Bereshit, they carry forward the knowledge, values, and inspiration they’ve gained.
Dr. Lena Kushnir, Head of School, shared how this moment reflects the essence of Schechter’s mission:
"One of the greatest joys of Jewish education is watching our students find personal meaning in our ancient texts. The Siyuum exemplifies what makes Schechter special—students engaging with Torah in a way that is interactive, joyful, and deeply rooted in tradition. We are so proud of their accomplishments!"
Their Siyuum is a beautiful reminder that Torah learning is not just about study—it’s about experience, connection, and joy.
✨ Mazal tov to our incredible 4th graders! May your love of learning continue to grow as you embark on the next chapter of your Jewish education. 🎉📖
