Cheder Chabad Argentina shone brightly throughout Chanukah, inspiring its temimim to become true lamplighters—strengthening their own connection to Torah and mitzvos while sharing that light with others.
At the core of the Chanukah program stood the Rebbe’s fundamental question, “What is Chanukah?” This theme guided a comprehensive curriculum that included in-depth study of the halachos of Chanukah, careful exploration of the Chanukah story, and a strong emphasis on the Rebbe’s teachings and directives. The focus was not only on knowledge, but on internalizing the mission of adding light in every place and circumstance.
Across many grades, students prepared their own shamashim, and several classes designed and built original menorahs. A special curriculum introduced students to Chabad niggunim connected to Chanukah, together with viewing of the historic “Chanukah Live” satellite broadcasts from the early 1990s, enabling students to connect with the Rebbe’s farbrengens and the worldwide Chanukah message as it was shared with Anash and shluchim across the globe.
A highlight of the Chanukah activities was the special program hosted for Tiferet Zikenim by Chabad, a senior learning initiative for community members over the age of 69. The program includes over 350 participants divided into more than five learning groups, meeting twice weekly for in-depth Torah study tailored to their stage of life.
The seniors were treated to a moving Chanukah presentation by the school’s 8th-grade students, featuring a theatrical performance, a multi-age choir, a spirited drum band, and heartfelt divrei Torah delivered by grandchildren who study in the Cheder. The event was prepared through a close partnership between Cheder Chabad—under the leadership of Rabbi Shmuel Geisinsky, together with Assistant Principal Rabbi Dovid Orbach—and Tzivos Hashem Argentina, led by Rabbi Shloime Taubenfligel.
In addition, the Cheder produced its own Chanukah-themed educational games, including memory games, dominoes, and card games, all reinforcing Chanukah concepts in an engaging and Chassidishe way. Chanukah gelt and sufganiyot were distributed to all students, adding joy to the Yom Tov atmosphere.
The spirit of mivtzoim was especially evident as 7th- and 8th-grade students joined local yeshivah bochurim in going out after seder to help Jewish men put on tefillin and to distribute menorahs—putting the Rebbe’s call to spread light into direct action on the streets of Argentina.
Further enriching the Chanukah experience was a school-wide Chanukah magazine, created by the students themselves. Children submitted articles, games, and creative content, and the magazine was distributed throughout the school community.
The annual Chanukah menorah competition was another major success, with over 100 original and creative menorahs submitted and more than 400 votes cast to determine the most creative design.
Through all of these initiatives, Cheder Chabad Argentina continues to advance its mission: to instill a deep love for Yiddishkeit in every child and to empower them to proudly and joyfully illuminate their surroundings with the light of Torah and Chassidus.
