(Courtesy of Bris Avrohom) For the very first time, children at Cheder Yaldei Menachem (CYM) in Hillside received a Chumash and celebrated the milestone with a beautiful Chumash party. The nine children of kitah alef performed at their Chumash party and each child had a chance to read from their new chumash. Parents, grandparents and cheder supporters all came to celebrate with the children and acknowledge their achievements.
The event began with Rabbi Mordechai Kanelsky reciting Chapter 123 in Tehillim in honor of the Rebbe and for the safety of the Jewish community’s brothers and sisters in Israel. Rebbetzin Shterney Kanelsky then spoke to the children and guests about how the Torah unites the Jewish people as a nation and connects all Jewish people to past generations. She also talked about how the Jewish people have always learned Torah under all circumstances: in Jerusalem, in exile and during the Holocaust. She then blessed the children to always follow the Torah’s path and bring about the coming of Moshiach speedily. Rebbetzin Kanelsky took the opportunity to thank CYM supporters and founders for making the cheder a reality.
The preschool director, Fruma Rosenberg, also gave a message to the children about how much everyone adores the Torah and must study it all their lives.
Following the short speeches, the children all rose as Mikhail Kipnis, founder of the cheder, took the sefer Torah he had donated to the shul out of the ark. The young, innocent children then walked over to Torah, and with great respect, lovingly kissed it.
A magnificent presentation was prepared by the first grade teacher, Simcha Krief. The children sang touching songs, including the prayers mothers say at candle-lighting, a fervent prayer to raise children who will follow the path of the Torah. The final song was Acheinu Beit Yisrael, dedicated to the hostages. The children then presented their mothers with a framed prayer for candle-lighting portraying a photo of their family.
Rebbetzin Kanelsky and Rosenberg gave each child their personalized Chumash. The fathers then joined their children in dancing, rejoicing at their milestone. After the event, breakfast was served for the children and guests.
