Written by Adar Perez

The Summer Learning program, also known as the Avodas Hashem Program, is an exhilarating opportunity for Valley Torah students to progress in their Yiddishkeit, specifically in Torah learning and Davening. The all-new program offers major incentives, including weekly raffles and kollel learning sessions, and highly encourages students to give it their all in maintaining their Jewish lives throughout the summer. The way that students can earn points is simple. There are different categories that they can log: Shacharit, Mincha/Maariv, Learning, or Shabbos Summary. Each of these categories requires a few simple steps, from taking a tefillin selfie to verifying the number of minutes spent learning. For each category, there is a certain number of points that one can earn, which are all added to the total, which is summed up by the end of the week at the raffle. This program is not only helpful, but it’s crucial. In my opinion, my drive for learning this summer is unlike others; what I and so many other Valley Torah students needed was a healthy push towards learning and davening. So many times, students develop bad relationships with these two incredibly holy activities, and it leads them astray. That’s why I believe that this program is incredible, due to its ability to structure a Jewish lifestyle in a healthy manner. Thank you to Rabbi Segal, Rabbi Majeski, and all of the Rebbeim who put together this wonderful program. On behalf of all the students, we really appreciate it.