Florida School Reimagines a Hei Teves Experience

Since before Chanukah the excitement about the auspicious day of Hei Teves has been building at Lubavitch Hebrew Academy in Margate, Florida.

Signs adorned the hallways promising a seforim sale and a Kovetz Limmud with the story of Heyi Teves, made possible by the Derher Magazine had been given out, but it was nothing compared to the excitement that students had when they walked into the gym on Thursday morning.

Morah Margie Denburg, Program Director at LHA and Mrs. Goldie Rodman, Director of Early Childhood at LHA had been thinking for some time, how could they bring the Rebbe’s call to celebrate this special Yom Tov with purchasing seforim to every student?

Traditionally book fairs are only exciting for children whose parents have sent in with money, while other students feel left out and unable to participate, they said. Furthermore, what about the youngest students at the school, how would they join in this incredible opportunity?

The answer was a Hei Teves extravaganza never done before. Starting several weeks ago, each of the Early Childhood classes wrote and illustrated their very own book with each class picking one Mitzva as their theme. Parents were invited in to join their children in receiving their very own bound copy with the opportunity to purchase other books as well.

At the elementary school, every student received a twenty-dollar voucher allowing them to shop and ensure that each student walked out with at least one sefer. This was made possible with the help of several generous donors.

The older grades had the opportunity to earn an additional ten dollars towards their shopping spree by answering the questions attached to learning booklet they received.

Each class first watched a clip of the Rebbe distributing dollars as a participation in the purchase of seforim for Hei Teves 5748 and then they were able to peruse the various tables and stands.

Every book there was carefully chosen and there was even a display based on the Rebbes instructions what a “Cheder Tzivos Hashem” should look like with many students purchasing their very own first Chitas.

“It felt like I was going to a seforim Gala. It was beautiful and emphasized the importance and holiness of the day in the most wonderful way” said Assistant Principal Mrs. Chaya Minsky.

All in all, the spirit of Didan Notzach of the seforim was felt through the building and will surely be remembered by the students for a very long time.