Dedicated Released Time Instructors Walk Miles Over Shavuos

In a remarkable demonstration of dedication, over 100 Released Time instructors collectively walked more than 1,000 miles on foot to bring joyful Shavuos celebrations to communities across New York.

The Rebbe often emphasized the profound importance of every Jewish child hearing the Aseres Hadibros and understanding their role as an heir to the Torah. Although Shavuos fell on Monday this year, Released Time heeded the Rebbe’s call, organizing more than ten special celebrations tailored for Released Time children and their families, many of whom may not otherwise have had the opportunity to experience the holiday.

The initiative was generously sponsored by Mr. Yossi and Batsheva Popack, in loving memory of Mr. Popack’s father, R’ Shmuel Aizik ben Harav Avraham HaLevi.

One instructor, Mendy Greenberg, who walked nearly three hours each way to reach a location in Brighton Beach, shared, “We didn’t just come to read the Aseres Hadibros — we came to give these kids a full Shavuos experience. Every child should know they were at Har Sinai, too.”

The gatherings across Brooklyn and Queens were beautifully arranged with elegant décor and a festive atmosphere. Fathers of Released Time children were honored with aliyos, children heard the Aseres Hadibros and were treated to ice cream and delicious dairy delights, and families took home Jewish books to share with their neighbors and friends. These events were an extension of the weekly Jewish Hour programs, which brings Jewish education to public school children throughout New York.

“The dedication displayed didn’t just impact the children, it shaped the instructors themselves,” said Rabbi Shimon Hecht of NCFJE Executive Committee. “Walking miles on Yom Tov, organizing meaningful programs, and connecting with parents and families, prepares our instructors to become future community leaders, educators, and shluchim. We are incredibly proud of their commitment and thankful to Mr. Yossi and Batsheva Popack for making this possible.”

Parents were deeply moved by the care and dedication. Mrs. Sara Allouche, whose son attends a public school in Sheepshead Bay, said, “My son came home beaming. He told us we had to hear the Ten Commandments on Monday. And lo and behold our entire family came and very much enjoyed the holiday crafts and Torah reading. We’re so grateful to the instructors who made this happen!”

The Shavuos walks and events were fun and transformative. More than 300 children and family members heard the Aseres Hadibros and experienced authentic Jewish joy thanks to the awesome devotion of the released time instructors.

Released Time is the flagship program of the National Committee for the Furtherance of Jewish Education (NCFJE).

(The pictures are shavuos themed not taken on yomtov but as part of the Wednesday program.)