The Date: March 19, 1940.

The Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak of Lubavitch, arrives in America after his miraculous rescue from Nazi-occupied Poland from war-torn Europe.

The Rebbe’s message upon arriving was clear. America is not different!”

With great self-sacrifice, the Previous Rebbe ensured that there would be Torah education in America.

Jewish day school education in America was an impossible reality in the 1940’s. But the Previous Rebbe understood that Jewish survival meant Jewish education accessible to all. Under his leadership, eleven Achei Tmimim schools were established in his early years in America. One of the original schools was the Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy (LYA), currently located in Longmeadow, MA.

Thanks to the vision of the Previous Rebbe, Jewish education is thriving in Western Massachusetts over 80 years later. Since 2020, 10 new families have relocated to the area from as far away as Louisiana and Oklahoma. Their primary reason for their move was a Jewish community with a strong center of Jewish education. 

In honor of the 76th year since the histalkus of the Rebbe Rayatz, Rabbi Mordechai Dinerman came to speak and farbreng with the community for the Shabbos prior to Yud Shvat. Rabbi Dinerman is the co-director of curriculum at the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) and has participated in the creation of more than thirty JLI courses spanning many areas of Jewish scholarship.

“I was inspired to see the culture and ethos of the Longmeadow community and how you celebrate in the days leading to Yud Shevat. Springfield/Longmeadow is a community associated with one of the first schools established by the Previous Rebbe, which had a tremendous impact on world Jewry,” noted Rabbi Dinerman.

One Shabbat One World was attended by over 130 community members representing a cross-section of the entire community and included people of all ages. Rabbi Mordechai Dinerman enthused our community over the entire weekend with his talks, bringing warmth and inspiration.

“Rabbi Dinerman spoke in such an engaging and warm way to such a large and diverse crowd. He weaved together several stories that were inspiring and impactful”, remarked Yisroel and Yocheved Gesin.  “It was very moving to hear about his connections to the Wolff Family and to Massachusetts. In particular, he shared the perspective that each one of us is shining the light of the Rebbe and continuing his legacy.”

“This Shabbat at LYA was truly meaningful for us. Rabbi Dinerman reminded us that even the smallest and most unnoticed things often carry the deepest meaning. We were reminded that it is through human connection, through speaking and listening to one another, that people grow closer to the Creator. But most important: to truly hear what seems insignificant, we need a teacher who opens our eyes and guides us to the deeper meaning hidden within every word,” remarked Myron and Lena Gottlieb.

“LYA plays a unique and essential role in Western Mass by bringing people together, strengthening faith, and creating a living community centered on Hashem. We are deeply grateful to the Kosofsky brothers and the Rabbis of our Yeshiva, whose leadership, dedication, and care unite all of us and help bring out the very best in our souls”, continued the Gottliebs.  “Thank you for creating a place of learning, connection, and spiritual warmth.”

Walking away from Shabbos, Rabbi Dinerman reflected on learning about the history of the Chabad Lubavitch community of Springfield and Longmeadow. He noticed how the community itself is aware of its history, and are bearers of that legacy.

“From the moment one enters LYA, one sees the picture of Rabbi Shalom Ber Gordon with the students from the early years of the school,” commented Rabbi Dinerman.  “This demonstrates a consciousness of who started this institution and where it came from.”

“Shabbos afternoon was spent sharing stories about the founding years of the school with Rabbi Shalom Gordon and Rabbi Dovid Edelman. This was the biggest takeaway for me. I’m someone who appreciates history and I like when things are rooted in their past. It was special to see a community that is aware of their past and uses it to propel them into the future.”

For more information about LYA please log onto www.LYA.org. There you will see in action how the Previous Rebbe’s vision of Jewish education is being carried out today.