By Rabbi Moshe Plotkin
I’m not Generation X, Y or Z. I’m not from the Me Generation either. I’m Generation 2.
Let me explain:
I’m a Shliach of the Rebbe at SUNY New Paltz in New York. I’m also a family man, part of the programming team at Chabad.org and an adjunct professor of computer science at SUNY New Paltz. I grew up in Los Angeles, the oldest of seven children.
In addition to the few details that I’ve already shared with you about myself, I would not be who and what I am today if it were not for my parents. And my parents would not be who they are if it weren’t for the Chabad educational institutions that they attended.
My father is a Hadar HaTorah alumnus, and my mother is a Machon Chana alumna. I proudly identify as a second generation (hence Generation 2) alum of these two important institutions. My wife Bracha‘s parents are also both alumni of Hadar HaTorah and Machon Chana.
Hadar HaTorah and Machon Chana are having a Grand Hakhel Dinner on Tuesday 23 Iyar / May 31, 2016. The dinner will honor Hadar HaTorah alumnus Chona Gewirtz, esq. and the memory of beloved Machon Chana dorm parents Rabbi Yitzchok and Mrs. Gita Gansburg, obm.
I believe that our entire Chabad-Lubavitch community should come out to support Hadar HaTorah and Machon Chana. Established by the Rebbe over 40 years ago, these mosdos are an integral part of the Rebbe’s vision of filling the world with the light of Torah and Chassidus by empowering every person with the tools to be a lamplighter.
I especially urge all Generation 2s like me to do everything we can to support Hadar HaTorah and Machon Chana. If you are not able to attend the dinner personally, which will be held at Espace in New York City, please buy an ad or a greeting in the dinner journal.
Community leaders and activists, teachers, principals, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, real estate moguls, full-time moms, financial advisors and business-owners, just look around you at your neighbors or their parents. Many of them have Hadar HaTorah and Machon Chana to thank for being a vibrant part of the community that you live in.
These two mosdos have enriched their lives, thereby enriching ours. Please support them so that they can continue their important work!
To reserve your place at the dinner or participate in the dinner journal go to www.ncfje.org.
Rabbi JJ Hecht and Rav Jacobson are certainly kvelling from this article. Rabbi Jacobson was the founder of Hadar Hatorah and he passed it on to Rabbi JJ. I clearly recall this transition. Rabbi Hecht was moser nefesh for these institutions with the brachos and guidance of the Rebbe. How do we know when something is good – we look at the results! This story alone is proof of their accomplishments – and there are many more ke’h. It would be lovely to have some stories posted here. Anyone reading my comment care to post their story? What amazes me… Read more »
Thank you Machon Chana and Hadar Hatorah for providing wonderful classes with dedicated staff, to instill the love for yiddishkeit. I look forward to attending your dinner.
As a shliach who has sent people in my community to study at both machon Chana and hadar hatorah, one cannot underestimate the amazing work of these two schools. I am hoping the community comes out in support!
this is nachas to The Rebbe!
way to go! Albanian gordons