In commemoration of Yom HaShoah, the middle school at Tenafly Chabad Academy gathered for a powerful and moving morning of remembrance, reflection and inspiration.
The program began with a heartfelt address from Principal Morah Meital, who framed the Holocaust within the larger arc of Jewish history—emphasizing that despite countless moments of darkness, our people have always risen through the strength of our three eternal pillars: Torah, Avodah (prayer), and Gemilut Chasadim (acts of kindness). These, she reminded the students, are our “secret superpowers”—they have sustained us throughout history and will continue to light our path forward.
She also spoke about the name of the day itself—Yom HaShoah VeHagevurah—highlighting the importance of remembering not only the horrors of the Holocaust, but also the incredible resilience and spiritual resistance of the Jewish people. Just as in the time of the Chanukah story, our nation once again rose up with faith, courage and strength.
Each eighth grader honored a specific individual who perished in the Holocaust by presenting short biographical research and lighting a yahrzeit candle in their memory. This deeply personal act further connected the students with the lives and stories of those lost, turning their memory into a more tangible connection.
Following the memorial, all students joined together to recite Tehillim and give tzedakah, offering heartfelt prayers and actions to uplift the neshamot of those remembered.
The morning then shifted to an important and inspiring question: “What is our response to the Holocaust?” Morah Leah Engel shared the powerful story of Elie Wiesel, a survivor who struggled with faith after the Holocaust. She told of how the Lubavitcher Rebbe encouraged Elie Wiesel to move forward in life by getting married and having children. In a deeply moving letter, the Rebbe wrote: “You must make every effort to tear yourself away from your memories… and establish a Jewish home and a Jewish family.” Despite the trauma and pain he carried, Elie Wiesel chose to build a life of meaning, hope, and legacy. This opened a meaningful and thought-provoking discussion with the students about faith, resilience, and rebuilding our nation with strength and pride.
Morah Debbie Shain then concluded the program by sharing the inspiring story of Rabbi Yehudah (Leo) Goldman, a soldier and survivor, who arrived in Vilna after the war and on his first Simchat Torah after the Holocaust, he asked the first Jewish boy he saw to dance with him in place of a Torah scroll. That boy grew up to become Abraham Foxman, the longtime national director of the ADL. The morning ended with a beautiful and emotional rendition of the song “The Man From Vilna,” a moving song by Abie Rotenberg inspired by that story. Both students and faculty left the assembly with a deep sense of Jewish pride and a renewed commitment to living meaningful lives rooted in Torah, kindness and hope.
