Released Time Ends Year

During this past end-of-school-year week, the Jewish Released Time program hosted dozens end of year celebrations and graduations for the hundreds of children who attend the weekly Jewish Hour.

Throughout the city in various shuls and Jewish centers many parents, relatives, children and teachers gathered to celebrate these momentous occasions. The students were presented with certificates of honor in Torah, Tefillah and Tzedaka for their accomplishments in these and others areas throughout the year. Principals and other noted educators acknowledged and praised the devoted released time volunteers for their continuous efforts and work on behalf of the children.

In effort to thank and recognize its over 250 volunteers the Released Time program, under the auspices of NCFJE, hosted a grand Melava Malka this past Motzei Shabbos.

Director Rabbi Shazak Zirkind complimented the bochurim on the relationships and connections that they form with their students. Following in the footsteps of the Frierdiker Rebbe, the founder of Released Time, they transmit to the children so much love and devotion. An inspirational slide show was screened depicting all the various activities that were done throughout the year. Pictures of the Chanuka olive presses, home visits and dreidel playing with families of Released Time students flashed over the screen as the bochurim enjoyed their scrumptious Melava Malka meal.

Memories of Purim parties, Matzah distribution, the Great Lag Baomer Parade and many other weekly exciting activities that were done throughout the year came back to mind throughout the evening.

During his speech admiring the Bochurim’s selfless dedication to the children and their Jewish education, Rabbi Miller from Nechamas Yisroel proudly mentioned that this year more children than ever before signed up to Yeshivos due to Released Time.

As a token of appreciation each bochur received the 5770 annual group picture of the Release Time volunteers.