Central Jersey Cheder Kinus an Inspiration

The sounds of learning, singing, and laughter could be heard in the halls of Cheder Menachem–Tzeirei HaShluchim of Central Jersey as the fourth annual Kinus HaChadorim of Tzeirei HaShluchim took place on Thursday, Erev Yud Shevat.

More than 120 Tzeirei Hashluchim from Pennsylvania and New Jersey participated in a day of learning, workshops, and farbrengens. Organized by Cheder Menachem of New Jersey, this special event afforded the children the chance to interact with other children just like them, living on shlichus, often in remote locations, learning in small chadorim.

As the world of shlichus rapidly expands, the biggest challenge is the chinuch of the Shluchim’s children. However, living in suburban areas such as the Tri-state offers the Shluchim an opportunity to join together with other nearby Shluchim to create a small Cheder.

In recent years, at least 10 of these small, warm schools have opened up, often becoming the young Shluchim’s lifeline, with loving and dedicated teachers and the chance to meet and develop friendships with children just like them, all in a real classroom setting.

The challenges are tough, ranging from long hours of commute to a lack of financial resources; yet, the shining, happy faces of the young children attending the Kinus demonstrate that the small cheder is successful and necessary.

The success of the Kinus has been inspirational to others – so much so that Merkos has decided to co-sponsor the event, and help the Chadorim achieve their goals.

“We want to ensure that these small chadorim have a viable chance for the future,” says Merkos Chinuch consultant, Rabbi Zalman L. Markowitz. “When I walk in and see the sight – children learning, interacting, enjoying every moment – to me, this is the foundation of the next generation of shluchim.”

To this effect, Suite 302 intends to launch a resource center offering support and educational networking for the small Cheder. “One of our goals is to facilitate and sponsor the first conference with the leaders, directors, and educational staff of the Chadorim,” explains Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice Chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, “as well as give leaders the opportunity to share their best practices, map out priorities, and streamline their programs and services towards the development of a support network.”

So far, the students appear to be enjoying their moment at the Kinus HaChadorim.

Entering the school, the children find themselves in a beautiful garden with the Sheva Reki’im floating down above them, each depicting one of the Rebbeim and his corresponding story. The voice of the Rebbe saying Basi L’Gani can be heard in the background, and a standing mirror depicts the theme of the event: אין הדבר תלוי אלא בנו, It’s Up to Me and You!

“We really wanted the students to experience the meaning of the maamer and take home a tangible message,” said Mrs. Chanie Zaklikovsky, principal of Cheder Menachem, the hosting Cheder. “It is inspiring and empowering to know the positive impact every individual child can have on his or her surroundings!”

This idea was demonstrated in the Kinus Hachlata, a renewed commitment to making their own surroundings a Mikdash Me’at. All students received beautiful bookmarks to use in their own Batei Chabad as they study Chitas, learn Tanya baal peh, etc.

“The children look forward to the Kinus all year,” said Mrs. Blumie Gurevicz, principal of Cheder Chabad of PA. “It is a wonderful opportunity for them to interact with their peers.”

Along with the students, even the staff and shluchos enjoyed the chance to interact and unite. With the help of many volunteers under the capable direction of Mrs. Goldie Azimov, Administrator of Cheder Menachem in NJ, every moment proceeded in an organized fashion.

The children were divided into workshops where they interacted with students from the participating schools, while learning and enjoying selected activities. From performances by each school, an inspiring talk and story by 770 gabbai Rabbi Zev Katz, entertainment by the awesome juggler Shlomo Bongart, and nigunim accompanied by Chaim Stern, every moment was meaningful and memorable.

“Our students came back so excited,” said Mrs. Rachel Leah Perlman, Director of Cheder in Wilkes-Barre, PA. “The drive was more than two hours each way, but what a wonderful opportunity for our children!”

To support the chinuch of the Tzeirei HaShluchim, please visit chedernj.com.