Monsey Fathers and Sons Celebrate Together at Cheder Chabad

Yud Tes Kislev was celebrated at Cheder Chabad of Monsey across all divisions, with sprinkle cupcakes with a Yud Tes Kislev topper at preschool, a special father-son learning session focused on Tanya for the boys and a mock bonfire and uplifting kumzitz for the girls.

Cheder Chabad of Monsey has been a beacon of Chassidishe chinuch in Monsey and the surrounding area for over two decades, and continues to stand out for its ability to create meaningful and memorable educational experiences across all three divisions: boys, girls, and preschool. This year’s Yud Tes Kislev celebrations were a beautiful reflection of the school’s commitment to fostering growth, Achdus, and a deep connection to Chassidus. With thoughtfully planned programs and engaging activities, the school provided experiences that brought together students, parents, and the staff in a joyful celebration of the teachings of Tanya and Chassidus, highlighting its practicality and closeness to everyday life.

In the boys’ division, Yud Tes Kislev was commemorated with a special father-son learning session focused on Tanya. This multi-generational experience highlighted the relevance of Tanya and its connection to Yud Tes Kislev, known as the “Rosh Hashanah of Chassidus.” The younger grades focused on Perek Lamed Beis, learning about the importance of Ahavas Yisroel, and how by looking at each Yid’s Neshama we can attain true Ahavas Yisroel, while the older boys explored the deeper concepts of Perek Beis, discussing the essence of the Nefesh Elokis- a literal piece of Hashem within every single Yid. This innovative learning session allowed fathers and sons to bond, while engaging with the foundational teachings of Chassidus.

The program also included a scrumptious breakfast, followed by a learning session in the shul. Rabbi Dovid Brawer, Executive Director of Cheder Chabad delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing the transformative power of Tanya and the importance of passing these teachings down to the next generation. Rabbi Shaya Itkin, who organized the event, shared the Cheder’s goal of ensuring students internalize the messages of Tanya and apply them to their daily lives. Rabbi Levi Kaplan, principal, also addressed the crowd and his words about the importance of Yud Tes Kislev resonated deeply.

In the preschool division, the celebration was designed to engage even the youngest of students. Dressed in their Shabbos finery, and proudly wearing paper crowns they had decorated specifically for the occasion, the children participated in a special Yud Tes Kislev Farbrengen. They heard the miraculous story of the day, sang uplifting Niggunim, and even said Lechaim. The children enjoyed appetizing giant sprinkle cupcakes with a Yud Tes Kislev topper, making the experience both meaningful and delicious. One of the highlights was the stunning balloon sculpture shaped like two candles, symbolizing the Alter Rebbe’s name, which was on display for all to see. Thank you to Mrs. Ginsburg for the incredible balloon art and to Rabbi Ayzenberg for sharing a Dvar Torah.

Yud Tes Kislev in Cheder Chabad girls’ schools was celebrated with a day filled with meaningful learning and engaging activities. The day began with davening in the classrooms, after which the workshops commenced. The theme of the day was “L’Shana Tova Blimud Hachasidus Uv’Darchei Hachasidus,” with two workshops focusing on Limud Hachasidus and two workshops focusing on Darchei Hachasidus. The first set of workshops (Limud Hachasidus) saw the girls exploring the beautiful Sicha about the coals and pearls- highlighting what Chassidus adds to our life, living at times such as these right before Moshiach. The students then enjoyed a jewelry making workshop where each girl had the chance to bead her own exquisite pearl bracelet. In the second set of workshops (Darchei Hachasidus) the girls learned about Chassidishe behavior, and finally participated in an entertaining game of charades, where they tried to act out scenes of Chassidishe behaviors.

After the rotations, the entire school gathered together for a mock bonfire and a kumzitz where they sang Padah B’shalom and other songs in unison. Each girl also received a mini packet of smores- the perfect accompaniment to a bonfire and the perfect end to an inspiring and uplifting Yud Tes Kislev. The Yud Tes Kislev celebration in the girls’ division was a wonderful blend of learning, creativity, and joy, helping the students connect more deeply to the teachings of Chassidus. Thank you to G.O. coordinator, Mrs. Mussy Mann, for her dedicated efforts and creativity in bringing this day to life.

Cheder Chabad’s Yud Tes Kislev celebrations across all divisions were a beautiful example of the school’s continued dedication to providing a well-rounded Chassidishe education. Through meaningful learning, engaging activities, and a sense of community, the celebrations allowed students to connect with the significance of the day and live its lessons in a way that will inspire them for months to come.