The striking image of the Rebbe standing on a platform outside 770 along Eastern Parkway, addressing thousands of Jewish boys and girls directly at a Lag BaOmer parade, serves as a constant testament to the trust and belief the Rebbe has for each child.
Throughout the years, the Rebbe spent hundreds of hours talking to children – not only teaching them Torah, but guiding them, empowering them, and giving them tools for life: how to live as Yidden, how to grow as Chassidim, and how to face challenges with strength and clarity.
Their struggles. Their language. Their role.
Connection Point, a project of JEM, has embarked on an important goal: giving today’s children the opportunity to learn and be guided by the Rebbe directly.
Acknowledging some of the challenges that come with this, they have been determined to overcome them with creativity, technology, and, ultimately, a passion to make it happen.
The course, launched in preparation of 10 Shevat, is a carefully crafted blend of content and experience. Each lesson combines original video clips of the Rebbe, guided discussion, and engaging hands-on activities. Students don’t just learn ideas; they live them, internalize them, and apply them. The year’s curriculum has been made possible by Reut and Mendel Pinson in honor of the Rebbe’s children around the world and by Danny and Rivka Fishman in loving memory of Dr. Irving Fishman ר’ יהושע אלחנן ב”ר יוסף מרדכי ע”ה.
The project was developed by a dedicated JEM team, spearheaded by Rabbi Yisroel Slonim and overseen by Rabbi Dovi Bronstein and Mrs. Menucha Winner. The course was authored by Rabbi Yaakov Koppel Chaiton, who drew on months of research, educational experience, and close study of the Rebbe’s Torah. Working collaboratively with the JEM team, he focused on translating the Rebbe’s teachings into a format that speaks directly to today’s children without diluting their depth or authenticity. From concept to execution, the focus remained clear: let children primarily hear from the Rebbe himself, while giving teachers a user-friendly, well-structured framework that lets them focus on delivering content that is user-friendly and interesting. “As I sifted through the vast amount of material,” commented Chaiton, “I wanted to sort it in a way that put the children on a natural journey. I want them to feel that the Rebbe’s words are addressing things they have felt and experienced but perhaps have not had a chance to put into words or actions.”
Entry Point, the title of this year’s curriculum, is not designed to be a comprehensive study of the Yud-Beis Pesukim. Instead, it selects four foundational themes drawn from the Rebbe’s teachings on the Pesukim and uses them as a framework for growth and learning in the classroom. Rabbi Hertzel Pewzner was instrumental in guiding the research and idea development, while Rabbi Levi Katz researched and selected the sichos and source materials featured throughout the course.
Early feedback from schools already using Entry Point has been incredibly encouraging:
“My students were engaged and interested—it was exactly the right level for them! As a teacher, the lesson plan was so easy to follow and fully prepared.”
– Mrs. Ritti Rosenbloom, Cheder Lubavitch, Chicago
“Our teachers and students were blown away by Lesson 1. We’re all excited for Lesson 2. Brilliant presentation with age-relevant toichen.”
– Rabbi Zalmy Kudan, Lamplighters, California
This is not about presenting sichos from fifty years ago as history. It is about teaching children that the Rebbe’s words are alive, relevant, and meant for them right now.
As educators and parents, we owe our children what is rightfully theirs: direct access to the Rebbe’s voice, his belief in them, and the tools he gave them to navigate life as proud, confident Yidden. Through Connection Point, running in over 40 schools around the world, reaching over 5,000 students JEM has found a way to do just that: authentically, thoughtfully, and with the child at the center.
Connection Point 5786 is made possible by Yossi and Nechama Dina Katz and family, and the members of the JEM Foundation.
To find our more about Connection Point or bring it to your school please email [email protected]
All schools can learn from how he directs student wellness and support at Cheder Chabad of Philadelphia!!
Every single Moised and school should understand how Rabbi Chaiton views kids.
His Chinuch expertise is unmatched!
What he has done for kids in Philadelphia and beyond is something we can all learn from!
I have to say that this year in honor of shnas Hachinuch EVERY Moised made a big shturem. I have joined them all, but only JEM put out something unmatched and IMPRESSIVE . As a Machaneches for many years it is so refreshing to see so much toichen and talent weaved into one. I am sure this has costed the Moised thousands of dollars and I am truly grateful for them for not just slapping a curriculum in front of us but really giving us a quality product, one that is brilliantly written, engaged, and draws our students unlike anything… Read more »