Some mosdos, besides fulfilling their particular function, play a role in setting the tone for Anash in general. But then, once in a long while, an organization is established with a vision that entirely transforms the mindset we’re used to.
By Rabbi Chaim Chazan – Pomona, NY
Zichron Shmuel, a Yiddish-speaking Anash cheder in Rockland County is holding their first matching campaign.
Now, you may be thinking: What does that have to do with me?
Some mosdos, besides fulfilling their particular function, play a role in leading the way and setting the tone for Anash in general. But then, once in a long while, an organization is established with a vision that heralds a much broader message and serves to completely change the mindset we’re used to.
Part of the condition of golus is the mentality that things in this world aren’t ideal and that low expectations lead to fewer disappointments. We thus suffice with patting ourselves on the back that 28 years after Gimmel Tammuz, we have raised a new generation of Chassidim and shluchim – a fact which indeed cannot be taken for granted.
But what if a group of parents decides that we have been accepting b’dieved for too long? They envision creating a cheder in a manner of l’chatchila! Where mediocrity in yiras shomayim, compromise in middos tovos, and complacency in learning won’t be settled for.
What if we can recruit experienced, top rebbis and moros? Maintain small classes? Engage each and every talmid or talmida on their individual level? Is such a concept feasible and viable? Will other parents join in?
Two years ago, spearheaded by Rabbi Moshe Gourarie, a group of parents did just that. And with much heavenly assistance, something that was dismissed as impossible has become a reality.
As a parent, and reflecting the views of other parents, I can say that in this school Chassidus isn’t taught, it is lived. The Ahavas Yisroel and chassidishe chayus every teacher exudes fills our children’s impressionable minds and young hearts with a pure love for Hashem. Torah and Mitzvos is the only concern, and the lures of the world fall away in comparison to the rich excitement that only a true chassidishe chinuch provides.
When choosing where to give tzedaka, one seeks to invest where you get the most “bang for your buck.” This mosad has come with a vision to bring home the message that chinuch can be done l’chatchila. Aside from educating the talmidim and talmidos currently enrolled, it serves as a pilot program that will be emulated around the world. Every dollar is an investment in all the mosdos that will be inspired from Zichron Shmuel’s vision.
If you care about the future, I believe this mosad has heralded a new stage in implementing the Rebbes ideals. It has created a paradigm shift of not being satisfied with a lower bar, and it has broadened the horizon of what may be considered possible in the chinuch of our children.
Support the future of Lubavitch chinuch by donating at Raisethon.com/ZichronShmuel
I can attest that this is 100% true. The actual results have surpassed my wildest expectations for good Chinuch. My children keep on surprising me with how much Chasidishe Yiras shomayim they are absorbing and how happy they are to go to school each morning. The Melamdim and Morah’s have he old fashion dedication and love for the students. Thank you Rabbi Gourarie, Mrs Frimerman, Rabbi Kleinman and the unbelievable teachers.
Don’t forget Mrs. Markowitz the Gan director, she also deserves a big thank you.
Couldn’t agree more!!
So lucky to be part of this miracle