JHS Color War 5783

Friday May 12th 2023

“Color War Breakout!” Last Friday, when superstar Nissim Black said those three words via video to the Junior High School, cheers erupted in the lunchroom. After the teams aish (orange) v.s. mayim (blue) and their respective leaders were announced, the activities began. 

Friday afternoon featured the boys playing football, soccer, and basketball in the yard while the sixth grade girls ran across the multi-purpose room in an action-packed game of ‘Coke and Pepsi.’ Meanwhile in the gym, the seventh and eighth grade girls competed in a game of dodgeball. The day concluded with musical chair competitions throughout the building. After an afternoon of action, students headed home to rest up over shabbat for 2 more days of friendly competition. 

After tefilah on Monday, students from each team presented Divrei Torah connected to their respective team theme. A breakfast filled with team cheers gave students energy for a busy day. The morning was filled with competitions in freeze dance, cake wars, Family Feud, a “talk-a-lot” activity, hockey, basketball, dodgeball, and Torah Bowl. 

But wait, there’s more! 

After lunch and more Divrei Torah, everyone turned to participate in and watch the amazing apache relay race. Students participated in wacky activities such as flipping a water bottle 5 times, or moving a ping pong ball with a spoon in their mouths, and then passing a baton when the task was completed. 

Trivia competitions, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader, team meetings, and a debate, were some of the many activities that students participated in for the rest of the day. 

To celebrate Lag Ba’Omer and the final day of Color War, students spent Tuesday morning outdoors. The talmidim ventured to Cunningham Park while the talmidot headed to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Students enjoyed the beautiful weather playing sports and enjoying the fresh air. When they returned to school, students had a delicious BBQ lunch waiting for them. 

After a few final activities and team meetings, students were ready for the final presentations. Hebrew and English songs, stomps, dances, skits, and videos wowed the students, teachers, and administration. Banners were presented by students who had spent days creating masterpieces connected to their team themes. A third achdut banner that was created by both teams in unison was also presented to the packed crowd in the lunchroom.

After tallying up all the scores, Rabbi Landsman announced that Team Aish, the orange team, had emerged victorious! This Color War was closely fought by both teams, and a great time was had by all. 

While of course, students enjoyed the days of activities, this was more than just a fun time. YCQ strongly believes in the pairing of a strong academic program with education outside of the classroom, and Color War was a tremendous opportunity for experiential education. Every single student had the chance to apply their individual talents and strengths. From athletes to artists, to techies to Torah bowlers, everyone had the chance to shine and develop their personal and collaborative skills, alongside their leadership abilities. These opportunities truly enable students to develop a healthy sense of self-worth and confidence that will help them mature into successful Bnei and Bnot Torah. 

A huge thank you must be given to Mr. Jacob Grossman for organizing the best Color War to date. Thank you to all the teachers and staff for helping Mr. Grossman execute his grand plans into a reality. Special shout-out to all the student leaders who really shined during this year’s competition. Captains: Sara Ruben, Eitan Berkowitz, Ava Sternfield, and Chaim Peled. Lt. Generals: Noa Davis, Ysrael Gherman, Gabi From, and Sammy Szlechter. Generals: Emily Baturov, Benjamin Toobian, Adelina Gavrilov, and Eitan Gol.