The key word at Bais Chomesh High School of Toronto recently was "bokee" which many students joined with excitement.

Preparations for 24 Teves 200, the Yahrtzeit of the Alter Rebbe, author of the Tanya, started months ago at Bais Chomesh High School of Toronto.

The aim of the program, called 'Bee- A – Bo- KEE' or 'B.A.B.K.' in short, was to help the girls become 'bokee betanya'- proficient in as many perakim possible of Likuttei Amarim.

Students and staff helped prepare a booklet of summaries on each of the 53 perakim of Tanya and 200 pisgamim (quotes) of the Alter Rebbe. The program was split into two parts.

In phase one, from 20 Cheshvan - 19 Kislev, girls were paired up, and each day a few perakim of Likutei Amarim were presented to the school in creative ways.

In phase two, from 20 Kislev - 24 Teves, the Tanya summaries were divided into four parts and each week the girls were quizzed on one of them. In addition, girls worked hard memorizing as many pisgamim as possible throughout the weeks leading up to 24 Teves.

Aside for the vast knowledge gained through this program, girls were given the opportunity to accumulate points towards prizes as an added incentive. Excitement ran high, as girls were seen studying Tanya and pisgamim throughout the day and night. Over 15 students challenged themselves to accumulate 770 points.

On Motzoei Shabbos, the girls had a special program in honor of this historical day. Following an uplifting Farbrengen with Rabbi Shur of Cheder Chabad, Toronto, students sung the Niggunim of the Alter Rebbe with much concentration, well aware of the holiness of the day. Raffles were then held for prizes for the BABK program. Prizes included a free trip to anywhere in the US, set of Likuttei sichos parshiyos, camera and jewelry.

Bais Chomesh infuses its students with a love for Yiddishkeit and Chassidishkeit. Chassidishe yomim tovim are looked forward to and used as a time for reflection and growth. The school attracts students from around the globe, including Ukraine, Venezuela, Mexico, England, Canada, and the States.

Bais Chomesh is holding a grand Chinese Auction fundraiser. Support their efforts, view great prizes at www.baischomeshauction.com