An Open Letter From Tzivos Hashem:
Have you been to the Children’s Hakofos in 770 in previous years?
Were you there this year?
Did you just come to kiss the Rebbe’s Sefer Torah?
Did you come for Hakofos?
Do you think that this year’s Hakofos were well-organized?
Did you and or your children enjoy the program?
Did your children get a bag of nosh?
Would you like to thank the people who made this happen?
Do you have any “constructive” criticism how we could make things even better in the future?
The Children’s Hakofos in 770 was the brainchild of Rabbi Velly Karp. The goal was to give children whose father went on Tahalucha and came back home after they were sleeping the chance to participate in Hakofos.
Rabbi Karp reached out to Rabbi Sholom Ber Baumgarten, Director of Tzivos Hashem to help arrange the Hakofos.
Each year Rabbi Baumgarten and a team of dedicated volunteers put in hours of thought and planning to make the event more organized, meaningful and enjoyable.
While ultimately limited to the size of 770, we do our best to accommodate the tremendous amount of people wishing to participate.
We are always open to “constructive” criticism and practical suggestions going forward; we’d love to hear your ideas, provided that it’s limited to practical solutions and not, chas v’sholom, bashing another Yid – no matter who they are.
* * *
Boruch Hashem this year’s program was an incredible success and we would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who were involved. We don’t have the names of many people involved and apologize in advance for leaving your name out. Hopefully someone will add your name in the comments as we greatly appreciate your help.
MARKETING:
Shamai Chein for producing the program’s flyer and marketing-video.
Tzivi, Mushky and Zelda Weinbaum for the voice over.
Chaya Ilulian for marketing the flyer and video over social media.
Mendy Smetana from the Shipping Center for printing the flyer.
Zelda Weinbaum, Miriam Klein, Mendel Levin, Devorah Leah and Chava Hershkop for delivering the flyers to the children.
DONORS
Thank you to the people who helped donate the nosh bags and cover the cost of the event:
Raskin’s Fruit Store
Reisman’s
Empire Kosher
Yossi Malamud
Dovid Junik
Mendy Wilhelm
Coby Lang
Zev Cadaner
Packing
Thank you to all those who helped shop and pack over 2,000 nosh bags.
Boys Team: Mendel, Levi, Sholom Ber, Yankel, Zalman Weinbaum and Tzviki Simon.
Girls Team: Mussi Kaplan, Yehudis Goldshmid Zelda, Mushky, Tzivi Weinbaum and Michla Andrusier.
HAKAFOS COMPANION AND FLAGS:
Thank you to Menachem Benchemon, Rabbi Velvel Karp and Zev Cadaner for the beautiful Hakofos companions and flags.
SET UP:
Thank you Vinny Martinos from 71st for your ongoing support and providing all of the barricades.
Tzviki Simon, Shmuel Eagel, Mendel and Levi Weinbaum for setting up the barricades.
Thank you to the Gaboyim of 770, especially to Rabbi Zalman Lipsker for their tremendous help and accommodations, allowing us the use of 770. Without your support this would never be possible!
A tremendous thank you to Yitzi Vail; not just for the trailer but for all the amount of work, planning, setting up and cleaning the shul; arranging the mechitza, securing and managing the maintenance crew to set up and later remove over 100 benches, cleaning the sukkah and removing all the garbage from in front of 770. You are the backbone of this project and it could have never have been possible without you.
To Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Kratz for your help in preparing 770 as well as your valuable input to improve this year’s program.
Thank you to all of the married men and children who assisted in cleaning up the seforim, including Dubov, Berel Vail.
Thank you to the many madrichos, mothers and girls that helped to clean and sweep the shul after the program was over.
THE SIFREI TORAHS:
Thank You to Reb Sholom Ber Levitin for holding the Rebbe’s Sefer Torah for holding for all these years; staying on the 770 plaza from 4:30, allowing the community to kiss the Rebbe’s Sefer Torah.
Thank you Mendy Wilhelm and Velvel Goldschmidt for coordinating the Sifrei Torah with the Rebbe’s room.
THE CHILDREN’S HAKAFOS – GIRLS DIVISION:
Thank you to all those who helped with the security and every other area in need of staff. You girls were incredible and made the Hakofos the success they were:
Line ot the Rebbe’s Sefer Torah:
You were amazing, keeping the lines moving, helping mothers with the kids in strollers, while directing and guiding people where to go:
Mrs. S. Telsner
Chaya Shmukler
Miriam Reychel Gansbourg
Mussi Elewitz
Rochel Swued
Shoshi Rosenblatt
Rochel Lerman
Devorah’le Lebovic
Esther Proccassia
Shaindel Spielman
Entrances to 770:
No words can thank you enough for standing strong at the three entrances. Whether you were by the Sukkah, the ramp by the Rebbe’s room or the main entrance you made sure that only the right people entered the shul. You were helpful to all those who needed guidance or support:
Chaya Illulian
Sara Elharar
Chanie and Chaya’le Mentz
Chavi Swued
Chaya Mushka Baumgarten
Leah Stock
Zeldy Eichorn
Chana’le Popper
Mushki Hendel
Simi Golshmit
Mimi Deitsch
Mushka Feldman
Shulamis Chava Hallon
Esther Stone
Aidel Spielman
Shaina Dinerman
Shaina Marazov
Hindy Gurary
Mushkie Lewis
Nechama Dina Rosenberg
Shaina Bryski
Mussia Kraus
Mussi Schimel
Goldy Boradkin
Mushky Reinitz
Miriam Greenberg
Chaya Braun
Batsheva Pewsner
Inside 770:
A special thank you Ms. Baily Vail for preparing the necklaces for the Madrichos and the children, recruiting and training the Madrichos and running an amazing program for the girls – all of whom enjoyed the Hakofos tremendously. Thank you to those who helped prepare the necklaces: Doba, Sara and Eli Brikman, Menucha and Eli Heber.
And what else can we say other than a big ‘Yasher koach’ to all of the Madrichos; you made the program come to life for everyone that came and help make the children’s Hakafos something to look forward to all year round!:
Mrs. Perel Lishner
Zissy Vail
Doba Brickman
Gitty Lishner
Rivky Berkowitz
Miriam Shmueli
Chumi Heber
Mushky Backman
Bassy Tevel
Esther Marasov
Fagy Vail
Mushka Spielman
Mushky Laufer
Chanie Dinerman
Hidel Spielman
Menucha Libman
Rochelle Rosenberg
Yehudis Goldschmidt
Rochelle Popper
Mushky Berghoff
Malka’le Lebovic
Esther Brikman
Rochelle Zaltsman
Tzivi Rotenstreich
Rika Menitzky
Chana Majesky
Mushky Weinbaum
Chaya Sassonkin
Nechama Simpson
Menucha Minkowitz
Gitty Gajer
Mussi Holtzman
THE CHILDREN’S HAKAFOS – BOYS DIVISION:
Thank you Rabbi Leibel Cohen for planning the program’s schedule, mapping out 770, recruiting and coordinating the team of MC’s and Madrichim. Your incredible dedication paid off with the beautiful Hakofos so many enjoyed.
Thank you to the event’s MC’s (human microphones) and team of Chassidishe married Yungerleit who served as Madrichim for the boys (some coming for their 2nd or 3rd year). We recognize your desire to go on the Rebbe’s Tahalucha and share in the entire community’s appreciation, “giving it up and giving it all you got”, encouraging our boys and make the Children’s Hakafos what they have become.
Thank you for creating the Hakafos atmosphere and trying your best that everyone in 770 can hear and be part of the program; encouraging our boys to daven Ma’ariv, recite the pesukim of Ata Hoireisa and Hakafos aloud and with chayus, getting them involved in dancing with the Torahs and ensuring that each boy has their chance to kiss the Rebbe’s and Moshiach’s Sefer Torah in a safe and organized manner:
MC’s (i.e. Human Microphones):
Rabbi Shimon Rivkin
Rabbi Yankel Wilschanski
Rabbi Levi Gajer
Married Maridichim:
Rabbi Yossi Bryski
Rabbi Mendy Marmulszteyn
Rabbi Levi Blizinsky
Rabbi Mendy Bresinger
Rabbi Meir Rodal
Rabbi Mendy Levin
Rabbi Yehuda Lorber
Rabbi Yosef Blasberg
Rabbi Mendy Bryski
Rabbi Zalmy Bryski
Rabbi Shmuly Avtzon
Rabbi Shaya Hurwitz
Rabbi Yossi Grosh
Rabbi Yossi Kahan
Rabbi Yossi Reizes
Rabbi Yossi Engel
Rabbi Folleh Dubov (who due to hospitalization was unable to make it. We wish him רפאל נחמן בן שרה a refuah sheleima u’keroiva!)
To Rabbis Sholom Ber Baumgarten, Uri Niasoff, Shmuly Schuchat, Yossi Malamud, Uri Posner, andLevik Baumgarten for their involvement in managing and facilitating the boy’s portion of the children’s Hakafos.
To Rabbi Yossef Yitzchok Kratz, Sholom Meir andEzra Hecht for overseeing the security for the boy’s portion of the children’s Hakafos.
And finally – Thank YOU; all parents and children! The Children’s Hakafos would not be what it is without your enthusiasm, passion and support and feedback.
May we be zoche to celebrate next year’s Hakafos in the Beis HaMikdosh where all Yidden will gather for the ultimate Hakafos!
Still amazed how these people decided to “skip” tahalucha and other things in order to make sure these precious children had this opportunity. Lubavitch lebt!
It was a really special and touching experience
Thank you Tzivos Hashem for arranging
This year’s hakafos were by far the most organized and the program was run so professionally with none of the “kratzing” that it has been known for in the past. Thank you so much to all of the organizers and madrichim/madrichos who made it happen! On a “constructive criticism” note, unfortunately I met more than one mother who decided not to stay when told that her young 6 or 7 year old could not enter with her. Many families come from out of town and the children are uncomfortable going on their own and might benefit from being offered a… Read more »
I helped my daughter with her young children and we all had a wonderful time! My son was part of the ‘belting out the Atoh Horaisohs group’ with Rabbi Shaya Engel and Rabbi Reices and enjoyed the Hakofos immensely ! Yasher Koach! Next Year in the Bais Hamikdash hashlishi!
yes, it was very special but for me and my 3- year old the night ended a little different. as out of towners my daughter knows nothing about scary big cities but she did know that her flag was ripped. so when my husband wanted to walk out with her she dashed back in to get another flag. with such an amount of people my husband was at loss. b”h there were boys there from Shmira who stepped right in and very professionally started a search. in the end she was found by a mommy- whose name i forgot to… Read more »
My son loved every little part of it
Thank you
Thank you to everyone involved. Was really very organised. Huge thank you to leibel cohen!
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this wonderful event, especially to the entire Weinbaum family. May you be repaid for all your efforts for the greater Lubavitch community, in full!
Great job with the kids. You bring out the best in the kids. always get them to sing with so much chayus. From Marriv all the way through to a thunderimg Brocha Achrona
excellent the main thing is the children had a wonderful time the parents had a wonderful time the ministrations the organisers had a wonderful time and that is the most important thing to all the organisers keep up the good work and thank you very much
You are so humble, and do all the work behind the scenes.
You deserve much more credit.
May Hashem bentch you with all your hearts desires
You are an amazing girl
So dedicated to the Rebbe.
A real Chayol
Did not realize how much work went into this event kol hakovod to the organizers and staff!
The best door MADRICHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
and thank Rabbi Shimmy Weinboum for getting all done including the list of thank you’ s and forgetting to sign ur name on the bottom.
My husband could not have done this without the many dedicated people involved.
Thank you everyone involved!
Zelda Weinbaum
I start by saying thank you!
I respectfully ask: I notice as the years go on that more and more fathers with older children are coming. Fathers that I am certain would have gone with their son in Tahalucha.
The boys side is very small as it is (only 20℅ of downstairs 770 is given to them).
Don’t know how to properly address this but something to think about going forward.
Thanks again for all you so.
If I want to donate towards next year, who do I give the money to?
Berel S.
Rabbi Sholom Ber Baumgarten – everyone’s favorite uncle!
The program was shortened this year. A little too fast but better than past years.
It’s just a shame that as a result we had to wait for the Rebbe’s Sefer Torah to come down.
What about starting the program a half hour later. That should solve alot, no?
Comments can be a doubled-edge sword. It allows you to share your opinion, but nothing else. TH, for all the slack people have given them over the years, have quietly and single handedly revitalized a passion and focus for the chinuch of our children. Make no mistake: all of the programs and educational establishments have come as a result of TH’s efforts when no one else acted upon ‘all of the comments’ made in shul and on the street. Actions speak louder than words. Who was there for our kids in the years after Gimmel Tammuz with Motzei Shabbos programs… Read more »
I want to publicly apologize; I got caught up in all the venting and also contributed to the negative comments. After reading this article and realizing the amount of people, thought, planning and effort that went in I started looking at things differently. It’s truly hard – almost impossible – to run a contained, controlled program with the current resources. What TH have done by including everyone in a dignified manner and yet trying their best to make it work, is truly special. It’s not just that they are doing something when no one else is… They are doing it… Read more »
I’ve never been. I’m always on Tahalucha – and this is precisely why I love this so much! To be able to go on the Rebbe’s Tahalucha knowing that my wife and children are being taken care of in shul brings such menuchas hanefesh and peace of mind. Each year when I return from Tahalucha I hear the feedback of how tremendous these hakofos in the Rebbe’s Dalles Amos were. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
One name indeed is missing!
However, reading thru the article it makes sense… He wrote it!
You can hear the energy, passion, care and appreciation throughout the write up. This guy is genuine and gives up his life for the Rebbe, to do what he wants and give us the tools to bring up our children the way the Rebbe wants.
Thank your Rabbi Shimmy Weinbaum!
Rabbi Baumgarten, you are incredible person. You have been devoted to our community for over 35 years. No words can thank you enough.
This year was definitely the most organised. The lines moved quickly to kiss the sefer torah. BH we had a seat and my kids were comfortable and could see. There were staff available to help hold my baby for a minute. bh we really enjoyed
thank you
the Greenfelds
Most beautiful article yet on COL!!
Beautiful to see people thanked by name. This article brings only positive feelings.
This is the fourth time my family has come to these hakafos, from out of town! Each time is a tremendous improvement from the previous year! Big thank you to the Weinbaum family for putting all that effort and after being all spent, they still keep their ears open for constructive criticism to make the next yr even better! Big Yasher Koach!
I must say that I did not notice many singles who snuck in this year. BH the amount of children are really growing and 770 just needs to expand
A Masiv thank you to all the above… never missed a year and it just gets better and better
Such true shluchim! Going above and beyond to make sure our children are getting the proper chinuch!
Once again rabbi weibaum did it!!!!
this year Children’s Hakofos was great organized the kids had a great time i was standing with some repents and they said this is great
This hakafos was beyond incredible!so organized and so calm!! Thank you Tzivos Hashem for all your hard work and everybody else involved!!!!
BEST BC EVER!
Focusing on the positive.
So easy to criticize until we realize what went into it.
So important to show gratitude!
GO SARAH!!
Wow! Did not realize so many people were involved!
Thank you to the one and only Shimmy Weinbaum and to the Weinbaum family!
How can we accommodate boys who need their mother there as there is no father at home lo alienu,and can’t be left alone.no mother in that situation shd be told off, that she doesn’t have a place. Thank you for amazing job!!!!!
I was there! The energy of the kids, and all those involved was uncanning! For all those involved and not involved thank you for all you’ve done to make this possible for my kids! My son still has his flag and won’t put it down! Thank you thank you!!
Thank you Tzivos Hashem!
Did not realize how much work went into this
BS”D
what about the Hecht brothers
no mention of them ?
This was the brainchild of rabbi Y. Hecht…
He started this and put it into motion
I have been coming for the past 7 years, this year was by far the best. most organized and most enjoyable!