Generations Study in Worcester

By Bronislaus B. Kus, TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

On a recent Sunday morning, Rachel Lemansky dropped off her 5-year-old son, Owen, for his classes at the new Hebrew School off Newton Square that is sponsored by the Yeshiva Chabad of Central Massachusetts.

But rather than pulling away and doing some errands while her child spent the next two hours studying, Mrs. Lemansky packed up her own things and joined her son.

“There are a lot of Hebrew schools around the country, but this one is unique,” said Rabbi Mendel Fogelman, the spiritual leader of the local Chabad community. “At this school, parents can learn about the Jewish religion alongside their children.”

About 30 children, some as young as 2 years old, attend the school regularly. Last Sunday, they were joined by about 10 parents.

The school was established this fall after parents expressed exuberance over a summer camp Chabad had sponsored.

“They were very happy with the program, and they were hoping there would be another available that would help their children continue to get a better understanding of the Jewish religion,” Rabbi Fogelman said.

He said some parents later approached him about opening up the school, which is located at the Yeshiva Achei Tmimim Academy at 22 Newton Ave., to adults.

“In today’s world, smoke and mirrors don’t work,” said the rabbi, noting school participants can pick up the difficult Hebrew language in as little as two months. “You have to give the people what they need.”

Myriam Solomon, who is originally from Paris and now lives in Spencer, said she learned about the Worcester school last fall during her attempts to find a bilingual prayer book for Yom Kippur.

“I called all over and couldn’t find one,” said Ms. Solomon, a travel and tour director. “Then I checked here.”

She said she was invited to the Fogelman home for dinner, where she learned about the school, which is run by the rabbi’s wife, Chana. Officials said the school is successful because it integrates learning with fun.

Though Hebrew School is still in session, Rabbi Fogelman said the local Chabad is already organizing another summer camp.

It’s scheduled to run from June 30 to July 25, and, as it did last year, it will mix Hebrew teachings with the more traditional seasonal recreational activities such as swimming, sports and crafts.

The camp, which is open to children ages 3 to 14, is already accepting applications. Scholarships are available.

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