By Leibel Gniwish
A cause for celebration. Yomim Tovim are likened to speed bumps in the road of life. Everything moves so fast, and we need those ceremonies to reflect and challenge the way our days are being spent, to improve. But they’re only a framework, a space where that contemplation can take shape. How many holidays have past us by where nothing changed, where we spent the day idly?
The same applies to our Chassidishe Yomim Tovim which allow us the space to ask ourselves if we’re doing enough to make our mitzvos beautiful and meaningful, infused with the light of Chassidus. This is why it becomes important to actively celebrate those days, so us and our children truly feel and experience the impact the Yom Tov can have.
On Friday, 17 Elul, the boys at Lamplighters Yeshiva enjoyed just that in a spirit of independence and responsibility. A kinus was held for Chai Elul in the Rubashkin home for all the students marked by joy, inspiration and good food. Hotdogs and hamburgers, prepared by the skilled hands of the 7-8th grade boys, were served. Reb Moshe Schack inspired the talmidim with a tale of the Baal Shem Tov, whose birthday was being celebrated.
The Chayus was palpable as the students sang Keli Ato, a niggun of the Alter Rebbe, also born on Chai Elul. Different students had the opportunity to say another one of the twelve Pesukim and Maamarei Chaz”al, and the other boys answered in kind.
The younger students truly felt that this day is significant, and the older talmidim become leaders by buying and preparing the foods. All hear about the importance of Chassidus and the unique contributions of the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe. Ownership ensues. This is Chinuch.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I love how the “older” boys prepared the farbrengen for the younger classes.