Shoneh Halachos Program: Inspires Excellence in  Halacha and Yiras Shamayim Across Six Chabad Schools

The Shoneh Halachos program was established for eighth-grade Bochurim to encourage and guide them in the study of Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, according to the psak of the Alter Rebbe. These halachos are clearly explained in the notations of Rabbi Levi Bistritzky a”h, former Rav of Tzfat. The program was founded by the Igud Menahalei Yeshivos of Crown Heights and is currently implemented in Oholei Torah, United Lubavitcher Yeshiva of Crown Street, Tomchei Temimim Queens, Cheder by the Ohel, Cheder Lubavitch Morristown and Tomchei Temimim Montreal. Its goal is to expand the talmidim’s knowledge of halacha and enhance their Yiras Shamayim.

Founded in memory of HaRav Yehuda Kalman Marlow a”h, whom the Rebbe referred to as an Ish Halacha, the program continues his legacy of halachic knowledge and dedication to halachic clarity. 

The learning is also dedicated le’ilui nishmas HaChossid Reb Schneur Zalman Gurary a”h, a person whose deep connection to the Rebbe and devotion to Torah and mitzvos was legendary. Reb Zalman’s father, Reb Nosson, was a strong supporter of the Bais Harav during the Nesius of the Rebbe Rashab. Following Reb Nosson’s passing, the Frierdiker Rebbe took young Zalman in as a ben bayis, teaching him Kaddish, instilling in him a love for Torah, and even guiding him in personal refinement and presentation. This formative influence had a lifelong impact on Reb Zalman.

The program is generously sponsored by Keren Razag in his memory, a most fitting tribute to an individual who personified hiskashrus, limud haTorah, and hidur mitzvos.

Throughout the year, students took written tests on the material, with many talmidim earning monetary prizes and seforim. Contestants who qualified for the live Chidon were awarded additional prizes and recognition for their outstanding achievement.

The culmination of the program was held on Tuesday evening, 25 Iyar, in the Oholei Torah Mechina Zal. A total of 49 contestants from the participating schools demonstrated remarkable mastery of over 30 simanim of Shulchan Aruch by heart in an exhilarating live Chidon competition.

Rabbi Chaim Yisroel Wilhelm opened the program with insights from the daily Chitas on the value of toiling in Torah – especially relevant on the day of the Chidon. Rabbi Hershel Lustig addressed the crowd and spoke about the legacy of Reb Zalman Gurary a”h, in whose honor the program is dedicated. The Rebbe’s Kapital Tehillim was led by Hatomim Mordechai Adelist of ULY and a heartfelt D’var Torah was shared by Hatomim Yankel Lipskier of Oholei Torah.

Questions throughout the Chidon challenged the contestants’ precision and breadth of knowledge, while parents, melamdim, fellow talmidim, and community members watched in amazement as the Bochurim quoted halachos nearly verbatim. Chidon judges were Rabbi Sholom Zirkind, and HaTamim Yosef Zirkind, sons of the revered Rabbi Yitzchok Zirkind a”h.

Chidon Winners

🥇 First Place:

Chaim Block (ULY), Shneur Zalman Bogomilsky (Morristown), Hillel Ciment (ULY), Nissan Tzap (Oholei Menachem) 

🥈 Second Place:

Elchonon Broh (Oholei Menachem), Shneur Zalman Hershkowitz (ULY)

🥉 Third Place:

Shneur Zalman haLevi Levin (Morristown), Yakov Marozov (Oholei Menachem), Shmuel Stolilk (Queens)

Mazal Tov to all the participants and winners! Their dedication to halacha, diligence in Torah study and commitment to excellence are a tremendous source of pride and inspiration for the entire community.

Photos by: Yossi Fajnland