By COLlive reporter
Photos: Mendy Toledano/COLlive
100 children from local public schools gathered at the Jewish Children’s Museum in Crown Heights recently for a day of fun and learning.
The children from Crown Heights local Middle Schools enjoyed a tour of the museum, a game show and crafts, followed by a ‘Town Hall’ style meeting with the museum’s director of foundations and government services Mrs. Devorah Halberstam and the museum’s director of programming, Rabbi Nissen Brenenson.
The event was sponsored by the Jewish Children’s Museum, and was coordinated by the NYPD 71st and 77th Precincts community affairs detectives Vinny Martinos and Tanya Salters.
The program was launched last year as a way to encourage and maintain good relations between the Crown Heights communities.
Halberstam related to the children how her son Ari Halberstam was murdered because he was a Jew, and that he was hated simply because he could be identified as Jewish.
Many of the children expressed their condolences to Halberstam about the loss of her son, she said.
The response from the children was “amazing,” relates Halberstam, and said that they began to open up and ask many questions. She said she was surprised at how unfamiliar the children were with many aspects of Jewish culture, even though they live side by side with many Jewish neighbors.
“The children asked questions like ‘What are those fringes on Jewish clothing?’ and ‘Are all Jewish people Rabbis?’ They also couldn’t believe a Jewish museum could be this much fun,” Halberstam said.
“These children are the next generation’s leaders. This is the best way to build relationships of understanding and kindness,” she said.
You’re doing such amazing work we love you!
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Kiddush hashem in the best way possible
I think this is a great idea to try to bring the youngsters of the communities together more.
You are the best!
CHAYA SERO!! WE LOVE YOU
from your fam down unda
thank you!!!
I agree, I personally saw how the Rebbe was stopped one friday night on the way home by an african american woman. The Rebbe blessed her, and assured her that everything would be ok with her problem. It was actually pouring rain, and the Rebbe spent the time with her outside. I think if each of us, can just be a little kinder, a little more respectful and express good manners, as befitting an am kodesh, it will teach everyone the proper ways to behave.
so impressed with your goodness!! in this zchus moshiach should come this second!!!
I spy Frayda!
Devorah at it again – very well done!
As we know, chinuch begins when children are very young. This is a true Kiddush HaShem grassroots movement that should become a regular occurence here ! We are very fortunate to have such an articulate & sincere spokeswoman like Devori. I always greet black women when I pass them in the streets here, because we can each do our small part to break thru the negative opinions many of our neighbors have of us.