Mock Subway Trip Explains Lessons From Chassidus

This year, Rosh Hashana of Chassidus at Bais Rivkah High School in Crown Heights was really something to remember. Ahead of Yud Tes Kislev, the school lobby was beautifully decorated to bring this concept to life.

The theme of the day was “חסידות מגלה את המהות” – Chassidus reveals the essence of everything, bringing clarity to what we may not understand at the onset, the school explained.

The morning began with a special Chassidus class before davening with over 140 students in attendance.

After a moving Padah B’Shalom choir, the school split up by grades for various rotations further exploring the theme. At the Ayeca program, students created vision boards of where they currently stand and made hachlatos for the future. Next was a video presentation where 4 students shared their personal connection to different concepts in chassidus. Every talk was wrapped up by powerful songs further strengthening that idea.

Students then visited workshops set up like a blind museum, showing us how at the onset things may seem dark and confusing, but with the light of Chassidus it becomes clear. Each student was given disco headphones, reminding them to tune out distractions of the world, and focus on viewing things from the lens of Chassidus.

This year’s exhibits were breathtaking. Students went through a mock “subway station” to different stops, each delving into a story from Tanach that seems perplexing at first, until Chassidus sheds light on it.

After a delicious lunch and singing Daled Bavos, Rabbi Meir Rodal addressed the students about the theme.

An incredible mini production on the story of the Alter Rebbe leading up to his arrest brought out important concepts such as Ahavas Yisroel, Tefillah and Simcha. The beautifully written songs and well-rehearsed acting really drew the school into the backstory of chassidus, and brought about a new appreciation and perspective on the gifts we have.

The day ended with a bang and the launch of this year’s “Chassidus is כי” contest- an opportunity for students to use their talents to creatively express how any concept in Chassidus is כי קרוב אליך- close, practical, relevant and applicable to our lives.

The culmination of this contest will be on 24 Teves, the Alter Rebbe’s yartzeit, at a grand event.

Students will be able to present their submissions, and the winners will be announced by our panel of judges. The prizes lined up for the winners and for every girl who enters the contest are unprecedented and incredible!

(Sponsorship and dedication opportunities for this contest are still available. Please message 347-471-5478 or email thetest@bethrivkah.edu for more information.)

The school thanked all of the students and staff of BRHS whose efforts and creativity made this day so memorable.

A special thank you was given to the talented, dedicated, creative and hardworking Yud Tes Kislev committee: Menucha Liberow, Chayale Groner, Rochi Schmerling, Shaina Paltiel, Soshi Barber, Chaya Avichzer, Mushka Alperowics, Mushky Steinmetz, Doba Raskin, Gittel Karp, Debbie Uminer, Shaina Piekarski, Chava Hurwitz, Henya Muchkin, Esty Feldman, Esther Niasoff, Chavi Barber, Shira Kaye and Raizel Rivkin

Thank you to extra-curricular director Mrs. Sara Blau and the school shluchos, Chavi Swued and Chaya Mushka Baumgarten. Thank you to Mrs. Sheindel Tiechtel, Malka Aisenbach, and Esther Eidelman.