“Tatty, I’m so bored! Can I play on your phone?”
Sounds familiar?
Ohr Hachasidus presents a letter from a like-minded parent who found a refreshing way to break the cycle. Here it is:
“In today’s world, it feels like technology is slowly taking over my children’s lives. Tablets, smartphones, and video games seem to capture their attention in ways that traditional activities just can’t compete with. As a parent living in Flatbush since 2005, we thought we were immune to this problem for some years but unfortunately these past few years, especially since the Covid Pandemic, my wife and I are becoming increasingly concerned about how much time my children were spending glued to screens and how it was affecting their engagement socially and academically.
This past Wednesday, our bungalow colony was visited by the mobile seforim truck from Ohr Hachasidus, and it has truly transformed our family’s experience.
When the truck first pulled up, it was like a scene from a storybook. The sight of it, packed with colorful, beautifully bound seforim, brought an excitement I hadn’t seen in a long time. The kids were thrilled as these books offered something different and special. There was something about it that I can’t put my finger on. It just had a different appeal.
We began incorporating these books as part of our daily routine, and the change has been remarkable. The kids, who once might have grumbled about putting down their devices, now eagerly dive into these new books. The stories and teachings have sparked real conversations at home, adding a new layer of meaning to our lives.”
This email is one of many received this summer by Ohr Hachasidus from people expressing their gratitude for this initiative. The response to the library this year has been tremendous! Even before we advertised the truck, we received requests from 107 bungalow colonies to visit with the truck.
Rabbi Avraham Mann, director of Ohr Hachasidus, explains, “Our main focus this summer is to offer children Chassidic content that reaches their innermost hearts—nurturing their pure souls in a way that goes beyond what tablets, games, and movies can provide. It’s about delivering an experience of depth and meaning that speaks to their Pintele Yid.”
Ohr Hachasidus is committed to reaching individuals of all ages, providing an experience that makes Chassidus both enjoyable and engaging for children while offering profound and inspiring content for adults. As one parent expressed, the arrival of the mobile seforim truck is a highlight of the year, bringing a sense of celebration akin to a Yom Tov. This initiative has truly made a meaningful impact on families, enriching their lives with the depth and joy of Chassidus.
This was originated by Rabbi Yosef Raices z”l in the 1960’s. It was known as the Merkos Bus. He would travel across the Catskill Mountains providing
Sifrei Kodesh (religious books) for all ages.