53 boys from Crown Heights schools participated in a Chidon Halichos Olam, a program for seventh graders to encourage and guide them in the study of Hilichos Tefillin based on the sefer “Shvach Yokor,” authored by Rabbi Shmuel Hurwitz.
The program was established by the Igud Menahalei Yeshivos of Crown Heights for boys of Oholei Menachem and United Lubavitch Yeshiva of Crown Street with the goal to expand the knowledge of Halacha and Yiras Shamayim of the talmidim in our community.
The program was founded in memory of HaRav Yehuda Kalman Marlow a”h whom the Rebbe referred to as ‘Ish Halacha’ – a man of Jewish Law; HaRav Marlow’s life was dedicated to the knowledge and clarification of Halacha.
Eligibility to be a participant in the Chidon is by receiving above an 80% on written tests throughout the year. Each contestant earns a monetary reward. For 90% the reward is greater.
An audience of parents, melamdim, community members and fellow students were astounded at the ability of the participants to quote the Halocho almost verbatim.
The event was chaired by Rabbi Yosef Simpson – Menahel Roshi of United Lubavitch Yeshivos and Rabbi Hershel Lustig – Menahel Roshi of Oholei Menachem both who serve as coordinators of the program together with Rabbi Leibel Newman. Contestants: Meir HaLevi Lieb recited the Rebbe’s Kapital and Nissim Kalman Polter delivered a D’var Torah.
Winners of the Chidon:
1st place:
Sholom Ber HaKohen Hendel, Levi Yitzchok HaKohen Massieh, Yaakov HaKohen Yarmush
2nd place:
Meir Avtzon, Duddi Goldshmid, Yaakov Rosenberger, Yosef Schapiro
3rd place:
Michoel Yosef Biderman, Yosef Yehuda Lazar, Levi Yitzchok Osdoba, Baruch Shusterman
Just wondering why cheder ohr menachem 7th grade wasn’t invited to participate. They learned Shevach Yakar this year. Thank you.