Sunday, June 2, 2013
Chabad Hebrew School Celebrates
the Fun in FUNdamentals at Award Ceremony
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Chester, NY - Chabad of Orange County wanted to create a Hebrew School where the students smile
and are happy to be there. And lots of smiles are what you could see at the Chabad Hebrew School Award Ceremony.
Many of Chabad Hebrew School’s nearly 100 students and their families, as well as the programs staff and volunteers gathered at the Pavilion in Chester Commons Park to celebrate with an end-of-year brunch and award ceremony.
“At Chabad Hebrew School we emphasize the vision of the Lubavitcher Rebbe that education not just the accumulation of Jewish knowledge, but about being proud of our identity and the growth of our character with emphasis on moral and ethical values,” explained Rabbi Pesach Burston, director of Chabad of Orange County.
Chana Burston, principal of the Hebrew School, highlighted the topics studied. “The curriculum at Chabad Hebrew School, ‘Adventuring through Torah,’ was teaching the fundamentals of Judaism, traditions and culture based on the principal of bringing “kedusha – holiness” into all aspects of life. This goal was brought to fruition through the creative mediums of art, drama, song and interactive activities.
For Hebrew reading, Chabad Hebrew School uses the acclaimed Aleph Champion Reading Program. Based on the martial arts motivational philosophy of color-coded levels and testing, it provides excitement and inspiration, leading the students into a winning cycle of learning. Games, flashcards, workbooks and rewards make every step along this remarkable journey a fun and educational success.
In fact, Chabad incorporated the Aleph Champ colors into the brunch buffet: There was a salad bar with veggies and toppings for each color as well as an Aleph-Champ-colored drink bar! Hebrew School students Chaim Pincus, Joshua Caplan, Arianna Eisner and Max Hershkowitz, all on various Aleph Champ levels, read some Hebrew before the large audience cheering them on.
Chabad presented each of the students with awards for their accomplishments and levels passed.
Perhaps one of the greatest accomplishments is the fact that the kids enjoy the Hebrew School experience, emphasizing the ‘fun’ in ‘fundamentals.’ This was evident in the reflections shared by both subtends and parents.
In sharing her remarks, Rachel Rosenstein of Monroe said, “I’m thrilled with the wealth of education Chabad is providing for my son, Harry, and I am happy with his excitement and enthusiasm he has about it.” Rachel also volunteers each week to help students with their Hebrew Reading. “I have also been learning so much,” she added.
Debra Pearlman of Washingtonville shared her thoughts on how Chabad has become part of her family’s’ life. “We were looking for a Shul to be part of,” she recalled, “and when we met Chabad we knew felt at home. Chabad is so much more than an ‘organization’ to us, it’s more like a ‘family.’” she added. Her son, Ryan who is graduating and having his Bar Mitzvah celebration, has requested to come back next year to volunteer.
“It’s fun to learn about my heritage and become more knowledgeable about my religion,” Max Schwartz, 12, of Central Valley shared with the crowd. “I have so many friends that do not like going to their religious education. My dad said he was never excited about going to Hebrew School as a kid. It’s hard for me to understand that because Rabbi Pesach makes learning fun.” Max attends Hebrew School along with two of his brothers and cousins.
Victoria Cerrato, 8, of Middletown wrote a speech which her mother read and expressed how she has great time learning and doing “tons of fun projects” and making “tons of friends.” She concluded by saying, “I feel so welcome because everyone is nice and caring. I can’t wait to go to Chabad Hebrew School next year!!”
Also testament of the positive experience in Hebrew School is the teens that have already graduated but have returned to help volunteer in Hebrew School. At the event, Chabad expressed their gratitude to Robert Murphy of New Windsor, Sophie Pulver and Sabina Pashkin of Highland Mills, Amanda Heller and Megan Heller of Chester, Megan Ingber of Goshen and Meredith Golden of Monroe.
In a letter, teen Sophie Pulver thanked Chabad for “giving me the wonderful opportunity” to volunteer, adding, “I have learned so much and have had so much fun doing it!”
Chabad also expressed their appreciation to the staff and volunteers who have helped on a continuous basis, including Bracha Pincus of Chester, Tova Green of Monsey, Gil & Phyllis Goetz of Monroe, Sid Hershkowitz, Rachel Rosenstein and Gabi Cohen of Highland Mills and Sharon Murphy of New Windsor.
Special recognition was also given to Chabad’s donors as well as the Gregg Wenzel Scholarship Fund. “Chabad’s policy is that no one will be turned down due to lack of funds” said Rabbi Pesach, “and our supporters make that happen!”
Chabad also held an Adult Hebrew School this year with a course of Hebrew Reading taught by Phyllis Goetz of Monroe. Certificates were awarded to Loren Chwan of Warwick and Barbara Gropper of Chester for completing the course.
Chabad’s Hebrew School offers a choice of classes Sunday mornings or Monday afternoons. The First Taste program is geared for ages 5-6, and Hebrew School caters to ages 5-13. Pictures of this year’s Hebrew School students and activities can be viewed at www.ChabadOrange.com/photos.
Registration Hebrew School next fall is now open. For more information, and to request registration forms please contact Chabad at 782-2770; write [email protected] or visit www.ChabadOrange.com