After 12 incredible months of immersive Limud Hatorah with Geshmak and vibrant Davening with chayus, the time has come for graduation and advancement to the next level! Following the younger Kitos’ graduation, Tuesday marked the turn for Cheder’Ohr Menachem’s upper elementary’ to celebrate their graduation.
The grand ULY hall was packed with fathers, mothers, and graduating students from Kitos Daled, Hey, Vov, and Zayen, all eager for a spectacular event. The program began with a Sicha from the Rebbe on the significance of a Siyum and how graduation is merely a stepping stone for greater heights. The Rebbe emphasized the special joy of making Siyumim during the ‘9 days’.
The event was emceed by Rabbi Zalman Goldstein who read the Rebbe’s letter addressing the graduating students – the students had the privilege of receiving a blessing from Rabbi Yosef Yeshaya Braun, who also shared his appreciation as a parent of Cheder Ohr Menachem students.
The emcee invited Rabbi Itche Mishulovin to lead the Rebbe’s Kappitel, followed by Birkas Cohanim from Rabbi Mendel Hendel, Menahel Kloli of Ohr Menachem and its continuum of mosdos. Rabbi Mendel Yusewitz, Menahel, expressed joy at completing a year of true growth, marked by tremendous Limud HaTorah, Kiyum Mitzvot B’Simcha, and middos tovos. He presented each student with their end-of-year certificate, highlighting the unique praise (Shevach) chosen by their Melamed to define their individual light and contribution to the class.
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The first group, Kita Daled, led by Rabbi Dovber Bryski, recited the 12 pesukim and Maamorei Razal selected by the Rebbe for every student to know and review regularly. Next, the students of Kita Hey, with their Melamedim Rabbi Levi Belinov and Rabbi Yisroel Noach Blank, and Kita Vov, with Rabbi Yisroel Botnick and Rabbi Levi Shuchat, were applauded for memorizing all 12 Perokim Tanya!
Before the ‘stars of the evening’, Kita Zayen, took the stage, Rabbi Zalman Liberow – the Rebbe’s Shliach to Flatbush and a Cheder parent, thanked the Cheder on behalf of the parents for providing their children with a special Chinuch. He noted the privilege of having an authentic shtetl life Chinuch in today’s world, with unique and special educators.
The valedictorian, Hatomim Menachem Mendel Rubashkin, represented the graduating class of 5784, thanking the Hanhala and his Melamdim throughout his Cheder journey up to Rabbi Yisroel Greenberg and Rabbi Chanoch Hecht of Kita Zayen. He shared anecdotes and experiences from his time at Cheder. Then, as per the Rebbe’s request, Hatomim Yosef Yitzchok Tobi, accompanied by Rabbi Greenberg, made a Siyum Masseches Tomid with the kaddish, after which the Graduating class of 5784 came up to receive their certificates.
The highlight of the event was the Kita Zayen production video, “ביז מסירת נפש”, depicting the Freierdiker Rebbe’s courageous entry into the ‘lion’s den’ – the office of Minister Stalipin – to annul a decree against Yiddishe Chinuch.
Rabbi Yossef Overlander, vice principal, awarded special Seforim vouchers to students who excelled in Mishnayos Baal Peh. The Menahel presented each student with a beautiful Cheder “Mincha Maariv” gift, thanking Hashem publicly for the privilege of working with a unique and special team of educators. He also thanked the event producers, Rabbi Avrohom Rainitz, Rabbi Chanoch Hecht, and Reb Shlomo Frishman.
