The Magen Israel School in Great Neck, New York, celebrated Rosh Chodesh Kislev, commemorating a significant moment in Chabad Chassidic history.
Rosh Chodesh Kislev holds special significance for Chabad Chassidim, marking the day when the Rebbe returned home from 770 after a massive heart attack in 1978. The Magen Israel School community embraced this occasion with a unique blend of Torah, Tefillah, and simcha.
The program kicked off with heartfelt prayers to the soldiers of Israel fighting to protect the country, and Tehillim recitations by school dean Rabbi Yitzchak Chayempour.
Students then were taught about the power of Tefillah and Simcha and about the miracles we saw on Rosh Chodesh Kislev. It was followed by writing beautiful cards to solderis.
Each student took on a hachlata tova (good resolution), committing to match themselves with a soldier’s name to pray for throughout the day and night.
Krias Shema cards were given out with a soldier’s name on them to daven for, connecting to the Mitzva Tank initiative. The Rebbe spoke about how the word tank has the letters ת= תפילין נ= נש”ק ק=קריאת שמע. This initiative deepened the connection between the students and the soldiers in uniform and fostered a sense of collective responsibility as Chayalim in Tzivos Hashem.
The event’s culmination saw the school community engaging in the joyous tradition of Rosh Chodesh dancing, symbolizing the unity and strength found in shared celebrations and collective prayer.
“We wanted to participate in a meaningful way, and despite not being physically present at the rally in Washington DC, our gathering allowed us to come together, say Tehillim, and take on hachlotos for the safety of Eretz Yisrael on this special day,” remarked principal, Mrs. Mushky Tuvel.
The school’s commitment to supporting soldiers was evident in the thoughtful gestures of writing cards and taking on the responsibility to Daven for individual soldiers by name. This personal touch added a layer of empathy and connection to the broader issues affecting the community.
Thank you so much Mrs. Tuvel and the entire team at Magen Israel for your incredible work.
This school is amazing – a parents dream come true.