Toronto Cheder Joins Melava Malka

By Mrs. Aydla Vechter

If it takes a village to raise a child, then the Cheder Chabad Toronto’s Melave Malka last Motzei Shabbos was a celebration of the Chassidishe village that it takes to raise a Chayol!

The Melave Malka is a highly anticipated event each year, a chance for parents to gather as a community and be inspired about the beautiful Chinuch we give our children at home and in our beloved Cheder.

The Melave Malka was sponsored in honor of Chaim ben Yosef by his children Oren and Neely Antebi, proud Cheder parents and supporters of the Cheder in every aspect of its development.

Before entering the hall, parents were treated to a display of the boys’ multi textured artwork. Each artistic presentation of “The 10 Mivtzoim of the Rebbe”, organized by Miri Kamman and Yifat Szarfer, was created by one class of Cheder. The hard work, Chayus and pride involved in creating each project was clear to see. The general studies classes created an incredibly detailed geography project focusing on where Chabad shines around the world.

The program began with an entertaining video presentation of the events connected to the first printing of Tanya acted out in full (sometimes comical) detail by the Grade 8 students and organized by Y Karelin and DB Bernstein.

The video was followed by what has always been the very special highlight of the evening, the sweet sounds of the Cheder Choir singing Hartzige Chassidishe niggunim. The choir was ably led by Rabbi Weinfeld, a beloved Mechanech. What a pleasure to hear their pure sweet voices!

The principal, Rabbi Yisroel Bard-wigdor, who is devoted to the well being of each and every Talmid, spoke about the role of a leader. He spoke about the concept of Moshe Rabeinu and Ahron approaching Paroah with the support of the Zekeinim. Yet when the Zekeinim retreated, Moshe and Ahron continued on their mission, as leaders do. At times, a leader must plow ahead carrying out all the details of his vision and goals, as emissary of his community. Rabbi Bard-wigdor mentioned a special Chayol, a Talmid of Cheder Chabad whom we all miss dearly, Chaim Shneor Zalman ben yblch”t Betzalel hakohen Borenstein. The opening of a special library was proudly announced and will be dedicated in Zalman’s memory. May we be reunited with him and all of our loved ones with the coming of Moshiach immediately!

Rabbi Shur, the executive director and backbone of the Cheder warmly greeted the crowd with a “Welcome to Cheder Chabad of the arts!” Emphasizing the efforts that it takes to produce the incredibly well balanced Chinuch that Cheder Chabad is known for, and the importance of the sense of community that Cheder families feel when joining together.

The guest speaker Rabbi Dahan inspired the crowd to bring more light of Torah into their homes. Rabbi Dahan’s delivery was an inspiration to live as a true חסיד in every aspect of our daily lives! Many of us go about our days fulfilling our tasks as we should and we feel accomplished and satisfied meeting our goals. Rabbi Dahan raised the bar and empowered us all to be a shining light to our children as we role model our actions and commitment to תורה learning.

This beautiful Melave Malka left parents with an incredible sense of Ashreinu! How lucky we are to have such dedicated Menahlim, Mechanchim, Morahs and teachers! How lucky we are to send our boys to a Moisad that lives up to its name of “Cheder Chabad” and surely brings tremendous Nachas Ruach to the Rebbe! May all of our combined efforts bring great hatzlocha to our boys and accomplish our goal of bringing Moshiach Now!

A special thank you to Neely Antebi and the incredible PTA for organizing this beautiful event, to Sara Fishman for the classy décor that set the tone for the event and to Yehudis Steiner for the delightful collages of the boys’ shining faces.

Video by Ezra Krybus – Hidden Light Films. Music and lighting by DJ Salty. Art project volunteers, Devorah Chaikin, Shayna Deren, Talia Hanucaiev, Rachel Herman, Rivky Goldman, Debra Lederman, Shternie Marmulzsteyn, Goldy Plotkin, Chani Rosenfeld, Rabbi Meir Wagner.

Students: Menachem Beckerman, Akiva Forer. Melava Malka volunteers, Talia Forer, Rachel Herman, Mrs. Joseph, Shayna Krybus, Vanessa Lang, Judy Levine, Liba Yarmush, Chaya Zarchi.