FAVORITE MALE DAY

It was the kind of day that makes you want to stay in teaching forever, that makes you feel good all over, that carries you through coming days and weeks.  It was Favorite Male Day, an annual event in the P’tach program at Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin Elementary School. 

At 10:00 am on Sunday, January 9 students in our program greeted their guests by welcoming them into their classes for Favorite Male Day. With excellent attendance by fathers (and one devoted uncle!), our students sat and learned with their “favorite male”.  Parents had an opportunity to see firsthand how their sons were taught and how they learned, an opportunity that rarely occurs in most classrooms.  During the 45-minute learning session, fathers and sons participated in either kriah, mishnayos or gemorah learning together, reinforcing the father-son relationship.

After learning, there was a brief break for refreshments for all.  We were then privileged to hear from Rabbi Tzvi Belsky, menahel of the upper grades of Yeshiva Chaim Berlin before participating in a hands-on tzitzis-making workshop.  Rabbi Belsky spoke about the importance of the mitzvah of tzitzis; he also explained that the Torah’s way of referring to the t’chailess in the tzitzis is done in a step-by-step manner, to remind us that we must take many steps as we grow greater in Torah. Then, under the guidance of one of our own rabbeim, Rabbi Meir Gerber, each boy was taught how to tie tzitzis onto a begged.  As this can be a complicated skill, Rabbi Gerber patiently took us through the steps in a slow and methodical manner.  In order to make his instructions crystal clear, something that would be too difficult to illustrate on a regular size set of tzitzis strings, Rabbi Gerber used rope tied onto a large ring, mimicking an oversize set of tzitzis strings.  With this model, combined with Rabbi Gerber’s step-by-step, clear instructions, the father-son teams were easily able to tie a complete set of tzitzis onto a corner of the begged.  It was definitely a challenge that was met!  When each set of knots was being tied, a low murmur was heard in the room as the fathers chanted “L’shem mitzvas tzitzis” to make certain the tzitzis would be completely kosher.  It was truly an awe-inspiring experience. Although there was not enough time to tie all four corners, the boys will hopefully complete their tzitzis at home (and bring them into school for a reward!)

As Favorite Male Day wound down, fathers and sons wrapped up the tzitzis workshop with smiles, thanks and comments of their pleasure in the days’ events. We anticipate the boys completing their tzitzis and wearing them with pride!

Over Five Hundred People Pack P’TACH’s Parenting Event

By Rabbi Noson Berman

Motzei Shabbos December 25th saw hundreds of parents converging on Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills to participate in P’TACH’s highly anticipated Queens community-wide parenting event – Three Keys to Having a Great Relationship with your Child. 

Rabbi Avi Kramer, P’TACH’s Co-Director of Institutional Advancement, was the master of ceremonies and gave an overview of P’TACH’s services in the community.  Rabbi Kramer remarked that a significant part of finding the appropriate educational solutions for our children is a clear line of communication between the educational institutions, the Rabbonim, and the various Jewish services.  This was evident in the coordination of the event which was a partnership with the local elementary schools, the Vaad Harabonim, and Jewish social services. 

The Shul’s Rav, Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld, was then introduced for divrei bracha.  Rabbi Shonfeld spoke about his personal knowledge of the success P’TACH has had over the years with children who aren’t making it in a regular classroom.  The main program was then presented by the world renowned Dr. David Pelcovitz who spoke of the three crucial elements needed for every parent/child relationship.  He said that every child has a unique melody and the job of Jewish parents and educators like P’TACH is to bring out that unique melody for each child.     

The program, which was to be held in the Shul’s social hall was quickly relocated to the main sanctuary to accommodate the huge crowd of over 500 people. The turnout was truly a testament to how great the parents of the Queens community value the success of their children and the importance they attribute to meeting their needs.

The program is slated to be just the first in a series of community-wide events by P’TACH to benefit the greater New York area.  For a copy of a recording of the event and for more information please contact us at info@ptach.org or call the P’TACH office at 718-854-8600.