By Stephen Batkin
During the day I am the owner of a risk management/insurance agency in Greenwich, CT. And let me tell you, it’s not easy to study, go to the gym and work.
About 3 years ago I saw a small booklet sitting on a table at my Chabad House and picked it up. This was the first copy of Chayenu and no one really knew what to make of it. No one was publicizing it and so I took it home.
At that time, I was struggling with deciding what to Torah learn and through a previous association with kabbalist Rabbi Leibel Wolf, he suggested a bit of Talmud and that I should add some practical learning.
This little booklet appeared at just the right time as the Rambam section was perfect for that. I was surprised at some of the information in Rambam. There are sections on food, the Temple, relations, sacrifices, death, kings, contracts and just about everything we run into all day long.
I always marveled at the guys who carried around a Dvar Malchus and would learn from it. I could not do that since I really can’t read Hebrew that well.
So today, every morning with my coffee, I sit with my Chayenu and read the day’s sections. Some of it is quite confusing and some is very practical. I do feel a bit like this isn’t enough, compared to the guys who are learning 3 chapters a day, but if you fall behind on a 3 chapter a day schedule, well, that would be hard to catch up on.
I consider this my first pass – just reading through it. Starting the 2nd cycle, I purchased part of the Rambam set so I could have the commentary and notes and I hope that will give me more info for my never-ending learning journey.
Chayenu is distributed around the world, and in prisons around the US.
Learn more and sign up to receive Chayenu at Chayenu.org.
Leah Shira Batkin!
Yisrael — so proud of you!! Thank you for telling me about Chayenu… Mazaltov in completing Rambam today!! With love and gut Shabbos, Yaakovxx
Chabad of Greenwich is lucky to have you and Chana as such an important part of their journey! you both are very special people! may hashem shower you both with continued health, nachas and happiness from your beautiful family!
Chana and yourself are wonderful people and incredibly gracious! I will always remember that summer we spent in your home. Wishing you much success in everything!
Chanie
We love Chayenu in South Africa. More and more people use it every day. People who have never learnt before are now learning using Chayenu.
You and Annette were such gracious hosts during my year of shluchus in Greenwich. I am always reminded by your family’s hospitality and warmth. Thank you!
Reena
Thanks for the Chayenu which feeds my soul. I feel like a different person after having read and learned something every day.
It is so easy to get distracted in today’s fast moving world, so this is for me a haven of tranquility and connection to the real me.
Learning Tanya has made me understand that my soul rejoices when i pick up Chayenu and is no longer in prison inside me.
Dear Friends of ours, the Kaplans, MD
Thanks for your inspiration!
Steve,
Wishing much success in your learning!!!! Thanks for giving
“chizuk” to all of us juggling between learning, and our everyday commitments.
I have been using Chayenu since it started in 2009. It has literally change my life- imagine, Chitas, Rambam, Maamer, Stories, Letters from the Rebbe, all delivered to your door for $.36c/ day! Chayenu, I love you!
Steve, we are so proud of you!! You’re a shining example!
Purchasing the full set is super. Chapest place is Sosover on Empire (SeforimSets.com) for $550.
Chayenu, starting this cycle, will also feature some of the footnotes and commentary from the original.
B”H
I too have been a Chayenu reader since its inception and recommend it highly. It is filled with amazing learning opportunities and even if you don’t get through it all, you know you learned something every day. It travels easily and can go with you to your job or office. Thank you to the incredible team who puts this together. BLumah