Happy 89th Birthday Rabbi Edelman

It is not every day that you get to celebrate your dean’s 89th birthday, and that is exactly what the students and staff at Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy (LYA) in Longmeadow, MA did, they celebrated the birthday of Rabbi Dovid Edelman, Head Shliach to Western MA and dean of LYA today during a special celebration planned by the students.

Rabbi Edelman was first sent on shlichus by the Frierdiker Rebbe the day after Shavuos in 1944.  He was appointed by the Frierdiker Rebbe as principal of Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy located at that time in Springfield, MA in 1950 just a few weeks prior to Yud Shevat.

For the last 64 years, Rabbi Edelman has tirelessly inspired thousands of students and community members who have passed through the doors at LYA. Rabbi Dovid Edelman can be seen every day at LYA visiting classrooms and inspiring students aged preschool through eighth grade with thoughts on the weekly Torah portion.

Students wanted to mark Rabbi Edelman’s birthday with a unique and special gift.

“We wanted to share Rabbi Edelman’s love of the Torah”, explained Tova Granowitz, a 7^th grade student at LYA. “Together, as a school we illustrated the parshos from Breishis through Vayigash and compiled them in a book which we presented to Rabbi Edelman in honor of his birthday”, she explained.

The book contains illustrated drawings from the toddlers through eighth grade and each student wrote a lesson that they learned from the Parshah.  The students will continue to add to the book as the year progresses.

“Just as you, Rabbi Edelman share your enthusiasm with us students, our gift will continue to give back to you”, explained Tova as she presented Rabbi Edelman with his original birthday present.

Rabbi Edelman thanked his students and blessed them to continue to make the Rebbe proud and work hard at their studies.

Of course, the party was complete with singing and a cake.

May Hashem continue to bless Rabbi Edelman and his wife, Mrs. Leah Edelman with health, success and continued nachas from their students at LYA.