History Comes to Life at New Jersey Cheder

History came to life in Cheder Menachem of New Jersey, a Cheder servicing the Tzeirei HaShluchim of the area, when they enjoyed a visit from Rabbi Avraham Berns, former librarian to the Rebbe’s library, in honor of Hey Teves.

The students were fascinated to see old, rare manuscripts and seforim, hear their stories and messages. The students helped date the age of a 200 year old Siddur – figuring out that it was from the times of the Miteler Rebbe. They were awed by the story of a rare fifth edition Tanya. The Alter Rebbe chose to print the first editions of the Tanya with the Slavita printing press. The Shapiro brothers, who ran the press, immersed the printing plates in the Mikvah before each and every page and were famous for their Yiras Shomayim.

Rabbi Berns also showed the children some rare handwritten manuscripts. The children discussed how books were hand written before the printing press. After viewing old Tehillims and old siddurim, it was inspiring to imagine someone from the past davening with Kavona, tears rolling down their face, over a hundred years ago – saying the same words, wishing the same wishes we wish and daven for today.

This visit was part of a larger series of bringing the Yomim DePagra alive in the Cheder. Over this year, the Cheder has been enriched with various exhibitions for each Yom. From making ink amongst the berry bushes on Vov Tishrei, to entering school under a Chuppa for 14 Kislev, from a chassid filled with the writings of Chassidus on Tes Kislev, to a visit to the Ohel on the Rosh Hashana LaChassidus – each occasion becomes meaningful with a relevant message.

Most recently, Rabbi Moshe Herson, head shliach to New Jersey, visited the Cheder and showed the students a silver coin that he received from the Rebbe as Chanukah Gelt – His memories and story helped us all imagine a Chanukah with the Rebbe. Rabbi Herson, together with Rabbi Mendy Solomon, farhered the boys and was impressed with their knowledge, particularly in the areas of Tanya Ba’al Peh.