FaceTime Niggunim with my Rebbi

One Sunday, my son Benny couldn’t make it to school. That afternoon, I received a message from his Rebbi, Rabbi Haberman, checking in. He asked how Benny was feeling. I explained why he was absent, and then shared a moment of nachas that had just unfolded at home:

While Benny’s sister was napping, I asked him if he wanted to watch Toveedo. Without hesitation, he looked at me and said, “No… I’d rather sing niggunim.” So we did. We sat together and sang.

Rabbi Haberman responded, “Does Benny have a few minutes? I’d love to sing niggunim with him and play my guitar.”

Of course, I said yes.

The moment Benny heard, his face lit up. Watching him sing Ashreinu on FaceTime with his rebbi, and seeing his joy, is something I will never forget.

This wasn’t just about music. It was about a rebbi who truly knows his talmid. A rebbi who notices when a child is missing, who checks in, and who understands that education is built not only through lessons, but through relationships.

I am beyond grateful.

Grateful for a rebbi who truly sees his talmidim.

Grateful for my son’s school TTOP that doesn’t just teach, but genuinely cares.

And grateful that my son feels loved, supported, and understood.

This is what chinuch looks like when it is lived, not just taught.

—Shayna Gutnick