108,337 Lines in Los Angeles

For the 14th year in a row, talmidim from Cheder Menachem in Los Angeles presented a special and most befitting gift to the Rebbe: in honor of Yud Alef Nissan, the Rebbe’s 112th birthday, talmidim one again dedicated their time between Yud Shvat through Yud Alef Nissan to the study of Torah Be’Al Peh in their annual Mishnayos Baal Peh Program.

Together, the talmidim learned and were tested on a total of 108,337 lines of Mishnayos, Tanya, Siddur and Yediyos Klaliyos. This number includes 7,984 Mishnayos – including 118 complete Masechtos and 972 Perakim, as well as 229 Perakim of Tanya Baal Peh, totaling 16,059 lines of Tanya Beal Peh.

This year’s achievements include Yossi Raeburn, 7th Grade, learning the entire Seder Moed, Masechtos Brochos and Avos, as well the first 12 Perakim of Tanya; Levi Cohen, 5th Grade, who learned the entire Seder Moed in addition to many other Mesechtos and Perakim of Tanya – totaling 112 Perakim – in honor of the Rebbe’s 112th Birthday; Dovi Spalter, 6th Grade, who learned the entire Seder Moed as well as the first Perakim of Tanya; Mendel Schmukler, 5th Grade, who learned 11 of the 12 Masechtos in Seder Moed, and has committed to complete the Seder, even after the official program has finished.

On Sunday, Gimmel Sivan, the annual MBP Awards ceremony took place in a large Public School auditorium. Talmidim were awarded Seforim of their choosing (based on their point total) for their efforts and achievements. Rabbonim, Roshei Yeshivos, Shluchim, Mashpiyim, parents and friends joined together to recognize and congratulate the achievements of the students.

Rabbi Mendel Greenbaum, Menahel of Cheder Menachem, welcomed everyone with a D’var Torah and giving a Yasher Koach to the talmidim. Words of Bracha were shared by Rabbi Yosef Y. Shusterman, Shliach of the Rebbe to North Beverly Hills and one of the communities’ Mara D’Asra.

A special presentation was made to Reb Yankel Ginsburg, the “Zevulun” of the Cheder’s MBP Program, who sponsors the Seforim on a yearly basis, L’iluy Nishmas his father, Reb Dov Reuven ben Dovid HaLevi o.b.m.

The Cheder presented Reb Yankel with a proclamation from the city of Los Angeles, recognizing his contribution to the furtherance of education.

Rabbi Sholom Heidingsfeld, the coordinator of the Mishnayos Be’al Peh program, announced the accomplishments of this year’s MBP, which was followed by awarding the Seforim to the 4 talmidim with the highest accomplishments. After this, every talmid received their prize according to their achievements.

A special thank you to Mrs. Ruchie Stillman, R’ Nochum Labkowsky, Rabbi Leibel Cohen, Mr. Sam Kustanovich and the Cheder board for all their help in ensuring the success of the day’s events.

Some of the Rabonim and Shluchim who attended include: Rabbi Boruch Shlomo Cunin, Head Shliach of the Rebbe to the West Coast, Rabbi Shimon Raichik, Rav of Anash and Rabbi of Congregation Levi Yitzchok, Rabbi Ezra B. Schochet, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Ohr Elchonon, Rabbi Yosef Y. Shusterman, Rav of Anash and Chabad of North Beverly Hills, Rabbi Mendel Cohen, Mashpia in Yeshivas Ohr Elchonon, Rabbi Amram Farkash, Menahel of the Mesivta Ohr Elchonon, as well as Rabbonim and Shluchim from all over Southern California.

Photos: Shmuly Berger and Yudi Vogel – 8th Grade Cheder Menachem