Pilot Program Now Available to All

By COLlive reporter

The Chabad education world is buzzing with excitement about a new and empowering course of study for girl’s high schools based on Rabbi Simon Jacobson’s acclaimed “MyLife: Chassidus Applied” methodology.

Compiled and arranged by Mrs. Bassie Cohen, Yahadus in My Life is a professionally designed annual course, which personalizes the Yomin Tovim and Chassidishe days of the calendar.

Specifically geared for teenagers, this course promises to bring Chassidus alive by demonstrating, through inspiring insights and hands-on exercises, how the special days of the year are deeply relevant and applicable to the issues and challenges facing our youth.

The course, which was developed and piloted over the past three years at Ohel Chana High School in Los Angeles, has been met with an excellent response by students.

“The Yahadus In My Life course impacted me because it constantly makes you find connections between basic Judaic fundamentals and living life as a Chossid. I have expanded my knowledge of the Yomim Tovim and Chassidishe Yomim Tovim in a practical way that I can apply to my life,” says Shaina R., a tenth-grade student.

Another student, Chaya S., shared this sentiment: “At the beginning of every class, the student workbook asked questions that deal with everyday teenage life. As the lesson progressed, it became clear that these daily issues are directly addressed by the Chassidic concept presented. The course made me realize that my personal life is directly impacted by the Chassidic concepts we learn.”

“The Yahadus In My Life course is thoroughly researched, meticulously organized and magnificent in both its depth and relevance to students in this day and age. As a direct result of the life lessons incorporated into the Yahadus curriculum, our students feel personally connected to each Yom Tov and auspicious day on the Chassidic calendar, ” says the Principal of Ohel Chana.

The course engages students by challenging them to reflect on their own perspectives on various topics, and then introduces them, through the lens of the special day, to the Chassidic perspective on the corresponding topic.

“Mrs. Cohen’s Yahadus In My Life course fills a tremendous void in the lives of our youth: relevant, inspiring, and practical Chassidus. It provides them with emotional intelligence and tools which will serve them all their lives, enhancing everything they will do — the homes they will build, the people they will meet, the respective shlichus each one of them will embrace. It’s very encouraging to see how Mrs. Cohen initiated this important project, and brought it to fruition,” says Rabbi Simon Jacobson, Dean of the Meaningful Life Center.

“During the first year of developing the course I spent many hours researching and preparing worksheets and materials for each lesson. I spoke with several educators who said that other teachers would love to have my lessons all prepared for them, and the idea took off from there,” explained Mrs. Bassie Cohen, creator and developer of the Yahadus In My Life course.

Mentored by Mrs. Devorie Kreiman and Mrs. Doonie Mishulovin, Mrs. Cohen refined the course over three years of teaching. It then was reviewed and edited by a team of professionals, who prepared it for publication.

All those who have seen the course — Rabbis, educators and lay people — are deeply impressed. “This course should be a staple in every Chabad high school,” remarked Mrs. Dena Gorkin, Principal of Bnos Chomesh Academy.

At this years annual Kinus Mechanchos Chabad, organized by the Menachem Education Foundation, publicity materials for the course were displayed and distributed.

This comprehensive Yahadus In My Life course covers key Chassidic concepts and includes student worksheets, tests, assignments, and a complete teacher’s guide. It lists sources for teachers to easily access related materials.

The course offers a unique approach in bringing the beauty and relevance of Chassidus to high school students, an invaluable educational resource to help develop their identity and guide their lives.

For more information or to download a sample lesson, email [email protected] or visit www.meaningfullife.com/yahadus. Course sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information contact [email protected].