News

 Happy children is Chai's educational motto. Great emphasis is placed on insuring that children are happy to come to school each morning. In the festive month of Adar this is stressed even more. The children enjoy a variety of fun programs including dancing, costumes, competition and plays to the delight of the children.

  Hundreds of women packed the hall for the annual gathering commemorating the passing of Rebetzin Chaya Mushka O"BM wife of the late  Lubavitcher Rebbe.

The evening is the climax of the women's functions throughout the year. These include monthly gatherings, weekly classes, assistance to mothers and newborns.

The women were greeted warmly by the Neshei Chai organizers and each received a gift. The tables were elegantly set with a light meal.

The theme of the evening was giving the benefit of the doubt. Rabbi Gorelik lit a candle and learned Mishnayot in honor of the Rebetzin. Rabbi Lieberman the director of Chabad addressed the crowd. The program included a video of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. The   Chai actor M. Veigel performed  humorous and emotional acts. The keynote address was by Rabbi Katzbi on giving the benefit of the doubt in marriage in the light of Chassidic teachings. The girls' school performed a spectacular dance accompanied by the singer Yaffa with songs written especially for the evening. The evening ended with raffling of the Chinese auction on expensive items donated by local businesses.

  Chai emphasizes preparing children for first grade. The children learn letters reading, writing and thinking skills during their pre1a class. This way they come prepared for school. Indeed children who learned in the Chai preschools are sought after by many schools.

As a preparation for first grade the children spent a day in school where the first grade teacher prepared an interactive program for them. They were introduced to a school and classroom structure. Each child received a preparation for school booklet and a gift.

The children were happy to meet their friends from kindergarten who were now in school. The visit to school with their kindergarten teachers helps alleviate the anxiety many children have from school and helps boost their self confidence in the first days at school.

  Chai schools emphasize the importance of safety on the road. After many lessons, programs and activities teaching the importance of the topic, the students went to practice in the field of the national safety organization.

They learned how to cycle and cross safely in accordance to the road signs and crosswalks. After a few hours of practice the children felt that they had gained new knowledge and awareness of road safety.

  The first grade of Chai Ashkelon celebrated the receiving of the Sidur- prayer book. The ceremony took place in Jerusalem by the Kotel- Wailing Wall. Each child received a Sidur with his name inscribed on the cover. This was followed by a festive brunch where the children performed for their parents.

Chai Schools emphasize teaching our Jewish tradition based on the Chassidic values of joy and love for our fellow Jews.

  Chai Ashkelon organized a grand Bar Mitzva Celebration for 30 boys. Rabbi Metzger, the Chief Rabbi of Israel blessed the children. The Mayor arrived straight from the airport to greet the boys. He was returning from Geneva where he staunchly defended the Israeli Defense Forces in a court case against the Operation Molten in Lead in Gaza.

Rabbi Lieberman, director of Chai Ashkelon, warmly addressed the boys and their families. He welcomed them to the Shlavim Therapeutic Center for special needs children, which was built entirely from generous donors.

The evening began with a festive barbecue followed by the gathering indoors. The greetings and speeches were followed by dancing and a magic show. Each boy received expensive presents.

The evening was sponsored by an anonymous donor.