INBOX: Keeping the Seder in Yeshivos During and After Kislev

by Chaim Hershkop

It’s high time that Roshei Yeshiva, mashpi’im, and mechanchim come together with a practical plan to preserve the incredible spirit of Chodesh Kislev while maintaining the structure and seder of Yeshiva.

Chodesh Kislev is a special time in Lubavitch, filled with Chassidishe Yomim Tovim, farbrengens, inspiration, and hiskashrus. These experiences are an essential part of a bochur’s chinuch and should absolutely be encouraged.

But why must they come at the expense of the regular seder of Yeshiva?

There’s a running joke that in Lubavitch, Yeshiva only functions properly from Cheshvan until Kislev. It’s funny, but unfortunately, there’s enough truth to it that we should be concerned.

It’s time to make that joke a thing of the past.

Nobody is suggesting fewer farbrengens or less Chassidishe chayus. Quite the opposite! The goal should be to channel that inspiration into stronger learning, greater discipline, and more meaningful growth.

With proper planning, coordinated schedules, clear expectations, and a commitment to getting back on track after every celebration, there’s no reason we can’t have both.

Of course, some farbrengens will run late, and certain occasions deserve exceptions. But the exception shouldn’t become the norm, and the entire seder shouldn’t fall apart as a result.

A successful farbrengen isn’t measured only by how inspired a bochur feels that night, but by how that inspiration translates into his learning and avodas Hashem the next day.

Because inspiration without implementation eventually fades.

Chassidishe chayus and a strong seder are not competing priorities. They should strengthen one another.

Our bochurim deserve a Yeshiva that offers both.

Let’s make Chodesh Kislev a month that strengthens the momentum of Yeshiva, rather than disrupts it.

Because the true impact of a farbrengen should be felt not only around the farbrengen table, but in the Beis Medrash the following morning.