Hebrew School Graduation 2006

Chabad Hebrew School Graduation
Children Take Their Learning – and Smiles – Home!

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Students of the Chabad Hebrew School recently celebrated the completion of its first year.  Many students and their families participated in an end-of-year “Graduation Barbeque and Awards Ceremony.”  Held at the home of Rabbi Pesach and Chana Burston, directors of the Hebrew School, students enjoyed a lively evening of games, food and fun.  Proud volunteers Gil and Phyllis Goetz manned the grill. 

After welcoming the crowd, Chana congratulated the children for serving as the pioneers of Chabad Hebrew School, and commended the parents for initiating and involving their children in this important educational program.  “The all-inclusive goal of Chabad Hebrew School,” Chana explained in her opening speech, “is to allow each child to develop a foundation and love in regard to Jewish ideas, traditions and culture.  This goal was brought to fruition through the creative mediums of art, drama, song and our innovative curriculum.” 

Several students spoke about their favorite activities experienced in Hebrew School, and how much they learned throughout the year. “I loved learning the Hebrew letters and forming them out of cookie dough,” said Sabina Pashkin, 7, of Highland Mills. “It was really exciting to explore each Jewish holiday and learn about the Torah!”

Debra Pearlman of Chester, host of WTBQ “Unlock Your Sales Potential” radio show, mother of two students, subsequently addressed the audience and expressed appreciation to Chabad for providing the Hebrew School and other enriching Jewish programs.

Rabbi Pesach Burston presented a certificate of appreciation to Mitchell and Gladys Wenzel, of Monroe, for establishing the “Gregg Wenzel Scholarship Fund” enabling scholarships to Chabad Hebrew School, in memory of their son, Gregg.  “Chabad’s policy is that no one will be turned down due to lack of fund” said Rabbi Pesach, “and the Wenzel’s make that happen!”  Many children benefit greatly from this fund.

Molly Leader, assistant director of the school, presented each child with an individual award.  The children were also given prayer books upon receiving their certificate.  Each child also took home a CD slide show of Hebrew School photos!

Some of the highlights of Chabad’s Hebrew school this past year included a “Sukkot party” in an authentic Sukkah, cooking and baking food for a Friday night Shabbat dinner, enjoying a “Kosher food hunt” in Shoprite, starring in a multimedia Purim slideshow, and much more.  The children also collected cans for the needy and constructed a “Can Menorah” in Stop & Shop of Monroe.

Chabad’s Hebrew School prides itself on developing a sophisticated curriculum that caters to the needs and interests of all students.  This past year, the children created their own prayer book, designed beautiful art projects and participated in a unique Hebrew-learning curriculum entitled “Aleph Champ.”

Chabad’s Hebrew School offers a choice of classes Thursday afternoons in Monroe or Sunday mornings in Goshen for boys and girls. The First Taste program is geared for ages 5-6, and Hebrew School caters to ages 5-12.  Pictures of this year’s Hebrew School students and activities can be viewed at www.ChabadOrange.com. 

Registration for next year’s Hebrew School, starting September, is now open. For more information, and to request registration forms, please call 782-2770; write [email protected] or visit www.ChabadOrange.com