A 5th-grade Bnos Menachem class is busy with markers, scissors, and colorful paper during recess. But if you look closer, you’ll see that they aren’t making pictures of unicorns or princesses—they’re putting finishing touches on art projects that showcase a maamer.
“It’s an exciting motivation to get kids immersed in the Ve’atah Tetzaveh concepts,” says Mushka Avtzon, teacher. Her students have been gushing about the new contest from Tut Altz. “They love the stories, the cute characters that bring out the messages; they’re learning so much,” she says.
Last month, the Second Annual International Moshiach Project Contest, launched by the Moshiach Office at Merkos 302, took the new Ve’atah Tetzaveh curriculum for kids to a new level. The Tut Altz method helps teachers bring the maamer to life using colorful lessons, helpful review sheets, interactive slideshows, and engaging activities. Then the kids use their creativity to present the maamer’s ideas in a clear, organized, and fun way.
“Teaching the curriculum really changes the conversation in the classroom,” says Menachem Marmulzsteyn, a teacher and Tzivos Hashem Base Commander at Cheder Chabad, Toronto. “We’re talking about what is Geulah? What is a Rebbe? What is Emunah?”
Following the success of last year’s contest, with over 50 entries, this year’s competition promises to be even more exciting. “There’s nothing like the pride that comes in seeing our next generation really internalize the message of this maamer,” says Mina Adelman, contest director at Tut Altz Kids. “This is why we do what we do.”
With project submissions coming in every day at the Moshiach Office, Adelman encourages kids to submit their projects soon. With just 24 hours left until the submission deadline—Tuesday, ט”ו סיון, June 14, by 10 pm EST, kids still have a chance to come up with something, even if they haven’t started. “All it takes is one good idea,” she says.
Projects can be submitted at tutaltz.com/kids, where more information about the contest is also available. There are rules, topic ideas, and project inspirations. That’s also where booklets and slideshows can be easily accessed—with a parent’s help, of course.
Prizes include a $150 Kehos gift card for the grand prize winner, a model of the Beis Hamikdash for the first place winner, a popcorn machine for second place, and a spike ball set for third place. “This is so much more than just about prizes,” says Adelman, “but it’s nice to reward kids with an exciting incentive.”
All students in grades 3 through 8 who have learned the first three booklets of the curriculum are encouraged to enter. A panel of judges will be looking for projects that include accessible concepts, accurate information, and clear organization. They’ll also be awarding prizes to projects that are inventive, unique, and inspiring.
Another aspect of the contest that kids have been eagerly looking forward to is the closing farbrengen, held virtually on Sunday, June 19, כ’ סיון. Besides announcing the winners, the farbrengen, led by Rabbi Mendel Lerman, will be a chance for kids to gather to celebrate finishing the maamer.
“Hundreds of children have been working hard, koching in a maamer of the Rebbe,” says Avtzon. “That’s something worth celebrating.”
To submit a project or find out more about the contest, visit www.tutaltz.com/kids
