By Rabbi Menachem Yusewitz, Principal of Cheder Ohr Menachem in Crown Heights
The praises of Mrs. Devorah Scheiner‘s Yom Tov Fund are well known. I am penning this letter to note her effect in a field you may not imagine she impacts. I am writing primarily so we learn from her example.
Let me preface: One of the most critical components in ensuring that our kinder grow into solid yidden and chassidim is ‘Chassidishe Pride’. The pride in who we are, pride in our yiddishe and chassidishe values. This pride permeates every area in our life from daily routine etc. to small minute details in ‘chassidishe style’ such as eidel and refined Levush, yarmulke, tzitzis and even pride in our personality and skills etc.
In my opinion, this pride is the most valuable attribute we can imbue in our children! As you all know, this is the Rebbe’s very goal and powerful message with the Lag Baomer parade. Sadly, if we haven’t Rachmana Litzlan – with all the information we’ve taught, we haven’t done much.
But educating toward ‘Geon Yaakov’ – Jewish pride, is not like teaching a subject, nor is it incorporated in curriculum which is conveyed didactically. It is an approach (hanocha) which is acquired over time. As a child observes his parent, teacher or mashpia (the ‘magic adults’ in his life) modeling again and again this outlook, it can become his.
For a mechanech to convey this pride he needs to be excited and passionate. Though most mechanchim who join the ranks of chinuch do so eagerly, many obstacles get in the path of the energized Mechanech which really challenge him: Financial crises in mosdos (which heavily impact teachers), regard and social status or lack thereof given to those who chose to join the field of chinuch (over Chabad-house Shlichus) have an effect as well.
While it is in the community’s interest and even responsibility to uplift, admire and support those who are educating our future, our community is comprised of hard working Chassidim focused on paying their bills, and understandably most cannot see past it. It is therefore a novelty and a ‘breath of fresh air’ when a ‘yiddishe mame’ such as Mrs. Scheiner decides to answer the call of the hour.
We all know her from the Simcha Fund – fundraising and feeding families who struggle to make ends meet. To all you donors who make it happen: you are tremendous! After all said and done, she often has more resources and uses them to raise the morale of our dear melamdim and mechanchim.
For years, the teachers of our Crown Heights mosdos receive a modest contribution of chicken, fish or other such products before key yomim tovim when expenses rise.
It’s not just an extra bonus; it is a message Mrs. Devorah Scheiner proclaims in our name – in the name of the entire Crown Heights community loud and clear: “We hold you in our highest regard”, “We have tremendous respect for you & appreciate your work!”
Dear community:
Let solute a woman who is an “Amud Hachesed” (pillar of Chessed) in our midst, and extend our Hakoras Hatov to the silent partner in the chinuch of our children!
Dear donor:
If you ever wondered what happens when there is extra? Here you have it!
May you always be busy with doing good things for the Klal.
your friend in Israel
Mrs Scheiner you are one unique lady. People should learn from you. Thank you for being you.