Not Just an Hour on Wednesday

On Wednesday night, the tireless and dedicated Released Time instructors concluded their visits to the homes of their students, bringing the joy and beauty of Chanukah not just to the students who attend their classes but to their entire family. In total, more than 700 families were visited.

The volunteers helped the families to properly light the Menorah, played dreidle, shared doughnuts and gave out Chanukah gelt, real and chocolate! One child, Erika, was heard telling her mother, “These doughnuts are so good, and they’re kosher! Let’s eat only kosher!”

The bochurim also took this opportunity to put up Mezuzos, sponsored by Released Time, in many of the homes.

These visits greatly touched each one of the families, as one parent so aptly put it: “Your visit made our holiday!”

The family visits is a further step to form a bond with the families of the Released Time children and their instructors, a further step in strengthening the connection of not just the child but rather the entire family to yidishkait.

Currently, during this week of school break, Released Time is also hosting two day-camps for the children. One in Brooklyn and one in Queens, using the opportunity of no public school to ensure children with a fun filled day of Torah and Mitzvos, the entire day.