74 Years and Chinuch in America Should Be No Different

Nearly one thousand men and women participated in a chinuch-evening titled “Raising Chassidim Today.”  The Oholei Torah ballroom served as the venue for the event, filled with Crown Height’s parents and educators, while others tuned in live.

Marking 74 years since the Frierdiker Rebbe arrived in America on 9 Adar 11, 5700, and boldly declared that America was no different in Torah observance.  To mark this event, and courtesy of JEM, The crowd enjoyed an exclusive viewing of the soon to be released DVD of “America is no Different.”

Rabbi Shimon Hellinger, director of Merkaz Anash, opened the evening with the thoughts that while today’s chassidim may not be at the same level as chassidim of old, there is still “no difference” since the perspectives and priorities remain exactly the same.

Rabbi Fishel Oster, maggid shiur in Oholei Torah, encouraged giving children the gift of a meaningful life through a clear and consistent upbringing.  As the Rebbe told Herbert Wiener who claimed that the bochurim in 770 were naïve, “they don’t have a ‘split’ in their eyes.” To this end, parents must show their children that despite their endless preoccupations, their priority lies with Torah and mitzvos.

Rabbi Aharon Dovid Gancz, menahel of Morristown yeshiva and acclaimed mechanech, demonstrated how Yidden are “a nation apart” and that ‘chinuch’ really is different than ‘education.’ A soldier is dedicated to the success of his mission and that’s his source of satisfaction; temporary inconveniences along the way don’t faze him. A vacationer is in for pleasure; every discomfort throws him off. By living with our mission, we can overcome almost every difficulty. The Torah’s approach is eternal, unlike educational methods that change with the times.

Reb Pinyeh Korf, head mashpia of Oholei Torah, spoke how chinuch is primarily about planting yiras Shamayim in the hearts of the children. He emphasized that it is “no different” after Gimmel Tammuz, and we must continue with the same chinuch as before.

A memento ‘Kosher Education’ was distributed to the attendees, containing guidance from the Rebbeim and the Rebbe’s assurance that in the long-run, traditional chinuch produces better results.