The example set by Morah Raizel Wolvovsky OBM
Every Jewish parent intuitively knows what to do when a “regular Yom Tov” rolls around – cook up a storm, set a beautiful table, and ask the kids to share Divrei Torah. But what about Chassidishe Yomim Tovim? Those special days are opportunities to deepen our family’s connection to Chassidus.
The late Morah Raizel Wolvovsky, a beloved educator in Crown Heights for over 40 years, treated every Yoma Dipagra as a true Yom Tov and made it special. Whether in the playgroup she ran out of her home or later as preschool director of Bnos Menachem girls school, she brought passion and love for Yiddishkeit and Chassidishkeit to her children and students.
When Morah Raizel passed away on erev Yud Tes Kislev 5782, generations of students remembered her enthusiasm for Chassidishe Yomim Tovim as one of the things that stood out about her and that has stayed with them. Among other things, she would personalize each Yom Tov by placing a white tablecloth on the table, lighting candles, giving Tzedaka, giving a special treat or dessert, and singing a niggun.
Searching for a way to continue her legacy and keep her passion alive, the Wolvovsky family created “Morah Raizel’s Reach,” an initiative to help spread her legendary care for Chassidishe Yomim Tovim. WhatsApp messages sent before every Chassidishe Yom Tov reach many people and are translated into Spanish and Italian for subscribers worldwide. This initiative gives parents and teachers practical ways to bring these special days to life, and the stories of impact keep coming in.
Mothers send in their pictures of beautifully set tables. A teacher shared how she learned from Morah Raizel the idea of giving children two marshmallows with a candy corn flame on top of each to represent “shnei or,” the two lights of Nigleh and Chassidus that the Alter Rebbe brought into the world.
A Chabad Shlucha wrote how, since her children have all grown and left the house, Chassidishe Yomim Tovim have faded into the background for her. When she received a message from Morah Raizel’s Reach, she was inspired to reclaim the day and set a beautiful table for just herself and her husband.
Morah Raizel’s message is that just like with any Shabbos or Yom Tov, it is in our hands to make a Chassidishe Yom Tov a special opportunity for Ruchnius and connection for us, our children, and our students. The date might come and go, but its impact can last forever.
To reach Morah Raizel’s Reach, WhatsApp: 860-777-5374
