A very tangible feeling of linking with our sacred Mesorah – Jewish tradition and of connection to our Holy Avos, permeated the Simcha Hall of Yeshiva Ohr Boruch, the Veitzener Cheder, on erev Shabbos Parshas Vayechi, as the students of First through Fourth Grades assembled for a uniquely Chassidic event. They were about to chant together, to a traditional cheder tune, the familiar and timeless words of “V’ani ” from Parshas VaYechi, along with their elucidation by Rashi in his commentary, where Yaakov Ovinu explains why he buried his beloved wife, Mammeh Rochel, in Beis Lechem and not in Me’oras HaMachpeilah. After a brief talk by the Nasi HaCheder, Rabbi Moshe Yosef Unger, that gave them a greater appreciation for the words that they were about to recite in Yiddish, the talmidim began their presentation. The heartfelt words that describe Mammeh Rochel pleading on behalf of her children, klal Yisroel, as they were led into exile, were relived right here in Chicago in a most inspiring fashion. The students’ recitation was followed by a shortened version of the V’Ani recited by the Pre-1A and Preschool children, which further inspired those assembled. The feelings of simcha expressed in the concluding words, “ven Moshiach vet kummen bimheyroh v’yomeinu, Amen! – when Moshiach will come, may it be speedily and in our time, Amen!,” brought about an intense sense of yearning and faith in all who were present, that ultimately transitioned into their breaking into a spirited dance to Chassidic music. As is done annually, each talmid received his own cupcake, specially decorated with the word “V’Ani”, from Rabbi Unger, as the music continued play in the background. This year’s assembly had special meaning to all, as Acheinu Bnai Yisroel, our brethren and sisters worldwide, especially in Eretz Yisroel, continue to experience a most trying and challenging period in time. May the A-mighty soon answer our prayers that we should very speedily to merit seeing the fulfillment of HaShem’s promise to our matriarch of ” V’ shovu bonim l’gvulom – Your children will return to their boundary”!
A very tangible feeling of linking with our sacred Mesorah – Jewish tradition and of connection to our Holy Avos, permeated the Simcha Hall of Yeshiva Ohr Boruch, the Veitzener Cheder, on erev Shabbos Parshas Vayechi, as the students of First through Fourth Grades assembled for a uniquely Chassidic event. They were about to chant together, to a traditional cheder tune, the familiar and timeless words of “V’ani ” from Parshas VaYechi, along with their elucidation by Rashi in his commentary, where Yaakov Ovinu explains why he buried his beloved wife, Mammeh Rochel, in Beis Lechem and not in Me’oras HaMachpeilah. After a brief talk by the Nasi HaCheder, Rabbi Moshe Yosef Unger, that gave them a greater appreciation for the words that they were about to recite in Yiddish, the talmidim began their presentation. The heartfelt words that describe Mammeh Rochel pleading on behalf of her children, klal Yisroel, as they were led into exile, were relived right here in Chicago in a most inspiring fashion. The students’ recitation was followed by a shortened version of the V’Ani recited by the Pre-1A and Preschool children, which further inspired those assembled. The feelings of simcha expressed in the concluding words, “ven Moshiach vet kummen bimheyroh v’yomeinu, Amen! – when Moshiach will come, may it be speedily and in our time, Amen!,” brought about an intense sense of yearning and faith in all who were present, that ultimately transitioned into their breaking into a spirited dance to Chassidic music. As is done annually, each talmid received his own cupcake, specially decorated with the word “V’Ani”, from Rabbi Unger, as the music continued play in the background. This year’s assembly had special meaning to all, as Acheinu Bnai Yisroel, our brethren and sisters worldwide, especially in Eretz Yisroel, continue to experience a most trying and challenging period in time. May the A-mighty soon answer our prayers that we should very speedily to merit seeing the fulfillment of HaShem’s promise to our matriarch of ” V’ shovu bonim l’gvulom – Your children will return to their boundary”!
