Photos: Shalom Burkis – 1 (707) 706-3060
Some think ‘Graduation-season’ is far gone… well, not exactly.
This Thursday, 7 Av, Cheder Ohr Menachem Crown Heights proudly completed the end of the year of learning for 5782.
Following a half day of learning in cheder, the younger division gathered in the Eshel Hall. The graduation was emceed by Rabbi Zalman Goldstein. The event began, and a special letter of the Rebbe addressing the Chagigas HaSiyum was read. The Rebbe congratulated the Talmidim, Melamdim and parents on this milestone, and continued to explain the unique objectives of summer vacation. The letter was read by Rabbi Mendel Hendel, Menahel Kloli of Ohr Menachem and its continuum of mosdos.
In the presence of their proud mothers, Rabbi Baruch Paris together with his talmidim in kita alef led the 12 pesukim. They received their certificates and were applauded for their major achievements this year.
The graduation participants were honored to hear from the Mara D’asra Rabbi Yosef Yeshaya Braun, who bentched the Talmidim on behalf of the Badatz. The Rav shared how appropriate this siyum is, as we find ourselves in the 9 days when the Rebbe requested siyumim, “a siyum of tens of talmidim, who learned through the summer is a huge Simcha, and nachas to the Rebbe,” he said.
A highlight of the graduation is seeing Talmidim receiving their teudah certificates marking completing the grade – with a personal unique trait of every talmid. The Menahel Rabbi Mendel Yusewitz introduced the teudos with a personal mazal tov to all. He noted how the extra month of this Shana Meuberes was maximized to boost Limud Hatorah. “Baruch Hashem all classes surpassed their curriculum and reached new heights,” he said.
Before receiving their teuda, every class prepared a presentation: Kita beis and their Melamed Rabbi Baruch Shalom Schwei led the Rebbe’s Kapitel, and Rabbi Tanchum Abrams with his talmidim of Kita Gimmel presented their unbelievable success with the Tanya Baal Peh system. All Talmidim completed 6 perokim by heart! They all presented together Tanya Perek Vov.
The culmination and the highlight of the graduation was seeing the Talmidim receiving their Seforim gifts for Tanya and Mishnayos Baal Peh.
The prizes were distributed by the vice principal Rabbi Yossef Overlander and Rabbi Chanoch Hecht -who coordinated the Tanya Baal Peh program.
All left uplifted as smiling talmidim eagerly look forward to next year in a higher kita, in Yerushalayim with Moshiach now!
