Halichos Olam Chidon Showcases Excellence in Hilchos Tefillin

The Halichos Olam program, developed for seventh-grade students, aims to inspire and guide talmidim in their study of Hilchos Tefillin, based on the sefer Shvach Yokor. Launched by the Igud Menahalei Yeshivos of Crown Heights, the program is a collaborative effort between Oholei Torah and United Lubavitcher Yeshiva of Crown Street, with a focus on deepening the boys’ knowledge of Halacha and strengthening their Yiras Shamayim.

Founded in memory of HaRav Yehuda Kalman Marlow a”h, whom the Rebbe referred to as an Ish Halacha. The program continues his legacy of halachic knowledge and dedication to halachic clarity. 

Throughout the year, participants took a series of written tests. Those scoring above 80% earned monetary rewards, with higher rewards for scores exceeding 90%. The top 20 scorers advanced to the Chidon, where they showcased their mastery in front of an audience of parents, melamdim, peers, and community members. The crowd was visibly impressed by the boys’ ability to quote halachos nearly verbatim.

The event was chaired by Rabbi Hershel Lustig of Oholei Torah, who also offered uplifting divrei brocho. The Chidon began with Tehillim recited by Menachem Mendel Shneur, followed by a Dvar Torah from Yitzchok Bendet, both of whom represented their schools with distinction.

Chidon questions were posed by Rabbi Eli Simpson, principal of Oholei Torah, and Rabbi Menachem Mendel Scharf, principal of United Lubavitcher Yeshiva. Judges included Rabbi Mendel Eidelman and Rabbi Levi Zirkind. The program was coordinated by Rabbi Hershel Lustig and Rabbi Yosef Simpson of the Igud Menahalei Yeshivos. the event was closed by remarks by Rabbi Yosef Wolf.

Chidon Winners:

1st Place:
Mordechai Adelist, Elchonon Broh, Menachem Mendel Shneur

2nd Place:
Chaim Bloch, Sholom Ber Laine, Shmuel Sarychev

3rd Place:
Avrohom Israel, Aryeh Pinson, Chaim Rabin