In accordance with the Rebbe’s clear directive, Ohr Menachem of Crown Heights holds its their first day of cheder on 4 Elul. Following the joint ‘Prep & Training day’ on 3 Elul, teachers put the learning into practice the very next day, even as many camps are still in session.
Wednesday, Daled Elul, was a rainy hot day in Crown Heights, yet, in the streets of Crown heights one might have noticed a curious scene: Children were wearing regular button-down dress-shirts. Was that a new camp uniform?
The explanation was far simpler. The Rebbe’s wishes Chadorim open at the onset of Chodesh Elul!
After the talmidim had a chance to catch up on their summer experiences, they were welcomed in by Cheder’s Hanhala: Rabbi Zalman Goldstein and Rabbi Yosef Overlander.
They were introduced to their new melamed by the Menahel Rabbi Mendel Yusewitz. At the end of the day, every melamed gave his Talmidim a special treat – a taste of Torah’s sweetness. The sweet sounds of Torah and Avodah of the ‘front liners’ bringing Moshiach, rings again through the hallways of Cheider!
***
The Rebbe’s words:
יש לקצר זמן החופש וכידוע מרז”ל […] תעזבני יום יומיים אעזבך […] תקותי שאצל חלק חשוב מהתלמידות יפעלו שינוי זה שעכ”פ יקצרו בזמן החופש” -אג”ק ח”ט עמוד ק”פ
מובן ופשוט אשר אין זה מספיק להכין תלמידים-ות אפילו במקצת לימי הסליחות והענינים דחודש תשרי, ולכן בודאי שבכל בתי הספר יתחילו הלימודים קודם לזה ומה טוב בתחילת חודש הרחמים הוא חודש אלול -אגרות קודש חי”א עמ’ שלא
