Kids Inspired With Own Kinus

The parking lot was full at the beautiful new Chabad Center of Lubavitch of Montgomery County as children, teachers and buses pulled up for the 5th annual Kinus HaChadorim in honor of the auspicious day of Yud Shevat.

This was no ordinary Kinus, as its participants are all Tzeirei HaShluchim – children who daily epitomize dedication and commitment to Chassidishe chinuch.

This year’s theme was Hiskashrus, and the hosting Cheder – Cheder Chabad – Tzeirei HaShluchim of PA – outdid themselves with interactive exhibits, creative workshops, drama and music all exploring concepts such as what is a Rebbe? What is Hishkashrus? How can I achieve this? How can I fulfill my potential as a Chassid and Shliach?

Excited and animated children walked through the hallways, talking and singing. Shluchim conversed in corners, connecting and sharing. The beautiful atmosphere of Chassidim Ein Mishpacha was permeated in every detail.

“Putting the Kinus together was quite a challenge,” says Mrs. Shevy Lowenstein, principal and Shlucha of Cheder Chabad. “But, experiencing the results today, make it all worthwhile.”

The Kinus started 5 years ago when the Cheder of Yonkers and Cheder Menachem of NJ were still in their early years. “We wanted our children to understand that they are part of a larger picture. That they are not the only ones that travel for over an hour to go to school and then go home – far away from friends,” said Mrs. Chanie Zaklikovsky, principal of Cheder Menachem – NJ. “Our first goal was for our students to feel that they are part of a larger family of Tzeirei HaShluchim, just like them. And what better day to accomplish this than on Yud Shevat?”

Hiskashrus – Connection – the theme shouts from the beautiful poems displayed as center pieces, and from the connection that each child formed with the other students – all part of a larger connection expressed through the life of Shlichus that each child represents. Each participating school brought this concept to life with performances – from song and dance to drama and video.

“The interactive exhibits are a special project for us,” explained Mrs. Lowenstein. “Instead of having the parents or teachers create the décor, our students studied the concept of hiskashrus intensively and then created these exhibits based on what they learned. This is a true celebration of learning and internalizing.”

Perhaps the biggest testimonial of the success is the children’s faces as they returned home: inspired, excited, smiling. In the words of Rikki, a young Shlucha – “I can’t wait until next year!!”