Oholei Yosef Yitzchok Lubavitch (OYYL), a boutique Chabad Cheder in Crown Heights dedicated to chinuch al taharas hakodesh, recently celebrated a meaningful milestone as it held separate graduation ceremonies for its Boys and Girls Divisions, marking the completion of its sixteenth year of educating the next generation of Jewish children.

The celebrations, held during the final week of the school year at OYYL’s campus at 333 Albany Avenue, brought together students, parents, teachers, and staff to reflect on a year of growth, achievement, and dedication to the timeless values that form the foundation of authentic Chabad Chinuch.

More than a graduation ceremony, the events reflected the vision upon which OYYL was founded sixteen years ago: to partner with parents in raising children who are not only knowledgeable, but who grow into true mentchen- young men and women whose lives are guided by Ahavas Hashem, Ahavas HaTorah, and Ahavas Yisroel.

The programs opened with the recitation of the Rebbe’s and Rebbetzin’s kapitlach, followed by the Twelve Pesukim, creating an atmosphere of inspiration and gratitude. Throughout the ceremonies, every student was recognized for his or her accomplishments over the past year. Students received certificates marking the successful completion of their grade, carefully selected seforim and gifts to accompany them into the coming school year, as well as beautifully designed class memory books prepared by their teachers- keepsakes preserving the friendships, learning, and joyful experiences of the year.

In his address, Rabbi Mottel Schneiderman, co-founder and Educational Director of OYYL, reminded parents that the purpose of Torah education reaches far beyond academic achievement.
“Our goal is not simply to teach children information,” he shared. “Our mission is to help shape a generation of Jews whose character reflects the Torah they learn—children who naturally love Hashem, love every fellow Jew, and love Torah. When these values become part of a child’s identity, we are preparing the world for the unfolding Geulah.”

Mrs. Mila Schneiderman, co-founder and Vision Director of the Cheder, reflected on the unique rhythm of OYYL’s educational calendar, intentionally modeled after the traditional Chadorim of previous generations. The school year begins with the arrival of Elul and concludes at the end of Tamuz, allowing students to experience nearly an entire year immersed in Torah learning before a short Bein Hazmanim of only three to four weeks.

“This rhythm allows children to live inside the Jewish calendar,” she explained. “The months themselves become part of their education. Their learning grows together with the Yomim Tovim, the seasons, and the avodah of each time of year. Graduation is therefore not merely the end of another school year- it is a moment to pause, recognize how much each child has grown, thank Hashem for that growth, and begin envisioning the next stage of their journey.”

She also reflected on the privilege of working together with parents, emphasizing that genuine chinuch is a partnership between home and Cheder.

Sophia Azulay, OYYL’s office manager and the mother of children attending the Cheder, spoke from both professional and personal experience. Expressing gratitude to the staff, she shared how meaningful it has been to witness her own sons flourish in an environment where every child is known, appreciated, and encouraged.

As a boutique Cheder, OYYL intentionally maintains small classes of up to 12 students, allowing teachers to know every child personally and tailor instruction to each student’s pace and abilities. Rather than viewing Chinuch as merely the transmission of knowledge, OYYL strives to nurture the whole child- academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

The celebrations concluded on a joyful note with a beautiful hands-on mezuzah holder mosaic workshop, where students created colorful artistic projects to take home—a fitting reminder that every Jewish home is protected by Hashem and built with Torah, mitzvos, and beauty.

As the final certificates were presented and families gathered for photographs and farewells, the atmosphere was filled with gratitude- for the accomplishments of the students, the dedication of the teachers, and the partnership of the parents who entrust OYYL with the precious task of educating their children.

After sixteen years of serving the Crown Heights community, Oholei Yosef Yitzchok Lubavitch continues to remain steadfast in its founding vision: providing chinuch al taharas hakodesh in an environment where every child is cherished, every family is valued, and every day of learning is another step toward building the generation that will greet the coming of Moshiach.

To learn more about OYYL programs- visit www.OYYL.org.