Tri-State Cheders Hold a Kinus

The sounds of learning, singing, and laughter could be heard in the halls of Cheder Menachem – NJ, as the eighth annual Kinus HaChadorim took place on Wednesday, Yud Shevat.

More than 200 Tzeirei Hashluchim and Anash children from Pennsylvania and New Jersey participated in a day of learning, workshops, and farbrengens. Organized by Cheder Menachem of New Jersey, this special event afforded the children the chance to interact with other children just like them, living on shlichus, often in remote locations, learning in small chadorim.

As the world of shlichus rapidly expands, the biggest challenge is the chinuch of the Shluchim’s children. However, living in suburban areas such as the Tri-state offers the Shluchim an opportunity to join together with other nearby Shluchim to create a Cheder.

In recent years, many of these small schools have opened up, often becoming the young Shluchim’s lifeline, with loving and dedicated teachers and the chance to meet and develop friendships with children just like them, all in a real classroom setting.

The challenges are tough, ranging from long hours of commute to a lack of financial resources; yet, the shining, happy faces of the young children attending the Kinus demonstrate the necessity and success of the Chadorim.

Entering the school, the children found themselves in a beautiful garden with the Sheva Reki’im floating down above them, each depicting one of the Rebbeim and his corresponding story, created by Mrs. Chanie Zaklikovsky, director of Academics at Cheder Menachem. The voice of the Rebbe saying Basi L’Gani can be heard in the background.

The students headed to interactive workshops, where they learned about Hiskashrus, farbrenged, played games and made crafts. Each school prepared performances about the theme of the day, Hakhel Es Haam – Farbrenging with our Rebbe once again.

The program culminated with a grand Banquet in the auditorium, coordinated by Mrs. Zeesy Greenbaum; the room adorned with beautiful centerpieces and posters displaying the theme of the day.

On the stage was a huge magnificent Hiskashrus wall, which had tiles, decorated by each child from the participating schools, depicting ways to build our Hiskashrus to the Rebbe.

Rabbi Moshe Gourarie of Toms River, NJ officiating as Master of Ceremony, led the students in the 12 Pesukim. The highlight of the day, was the surprise visit of Benny Friedman. All the students enjoyed singing nigunim and dancing to the live music by Fitze Ben Shimon.

As a memento from the Kinus, each class got a Hakhel Farbrengen bag to go, which had a 12 pesukim card for each child, stickers for decorating it, lchaim cups, grape juice, coins for Tzedaka, a prepared Dvar Torah and story of the Rebbe.

“Our students left invigorated and inspired, and had an enjoyable day at Cheder Menachem,” said Rabbi Mendy Levin, principal of Cheder Chabad of Philadelphia.

“It’s a long drive, more than two hours from Wilkes Barre, but it’s definitely worth it, we would never miss this special opportunity. We’re already looking forward to next year,” said Rochel Leah Perlman, Cheder Wilkes Barre.

“The warmth and excitement of all the students and teachers was truly amazing,” said Mrs. Goldie Azimov, director of Cheder Menachem.

The yidden were redeemed from Egypt, in the merit of the children. The Rebbe explains, that it was in the merit of the loyal children that overcame all challenges & practiced Torah & Mitzvos in Egypt. May these young children lead us out of Golus, and may we all merit to Farbreng with the Rebbe once again.

Visit www.chedernj.org to support Cheder Menachem.