Boys Compete in Halacha Chidon

Shoneh Halachos is a program for eighth grade boys to encourage and guide them in the study of Halacha with the Alter Rebbe’s Psak which is clearly explained through notations made by Rabbi Levi Bistritzky obm – former Rav of Tzfat. It was established by the Igud Menahalei Yeshivos of Crown Heights for Oholei Menachem and United Lubavitcher Yeshiva of Crown Street in the goal to expand the knowledge of Halacha and Yiras Shamayim of the talmidim of our community.

The program was founded in memory of Rabbi Yehuda K. Marlow obm whom the Rebbe referred to as ‘Ish Halacha’ – a man of Jewish Law; Rabbi Marlow’s life was dedicated to the knowledge and clarification of Halacha. This evening commemorated the 11th yahrzeit of Rabbi Marlow which is on 20 Sivan.

The learning thereof is leilui nishmas HaChosid Reb Schneur Zalman Gurary obm to whom the interests of the Rebbe were very dear. Surely this serves as a fitting tribute to two outstanding individuals who were legendary for their limud and total hiskashrus. The program is sponsored by Y. Sternberg, grandson of Reb Zalman Gurary.

Eligibility to be a participant in the Chidon is through receiving above an 80% on written tests. Each boy receives monetary reward for excelling in this area and boys that join in the Chidon receive additional money plus seforim.

The finale of the program was a Chidon amongst 35 contestants. Rabbi Yitzchok Zirkind, Rabbi Moshe Wiener and Rabbi Yosef Shechter [son-in-law of Rabbi Marlow] form the panel of judges.

The 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 Hershel Lustig – Dean of Oholei Menachem who also serves as coordinator of the program.

The winners of the Chidon were: Mendel Sorkin, Zusman Baruch Oster>, Yosef Osdabo, Mendel Jacobson, and Levi Yitzchok Reizes.