Supporters of the Our Heritage program gathered at Wolf & Lamb in New York last month, for an evening of support of the remarkable initiative that is transferring Jewish children from public schools to Chabad day schools, ensuring every child receives a Jewish education.
The evening, chaired by Alex Swieca and Shlomo Nasser, was marked by heartfelt speeches and personal stories that moved every attendee.
Rabbi Zalman Shneur highlighted the alarming surge in antisemitism since October 7th, describing how Jewish identity faces unprecedented threats. In public schools, Jewish children often encounter ridicule, bullying, and exclusion. The curriculum neglects their traditions, and they face constant bigotry. This erasure can lead to internalized negative stereotypes and a disconnection from their community. Rabbi Shneur emphasized, “Now more than ever” – which was the theme of the evening – “we must ensure every Jewish child is where they truly belong: in a Jewish school.”
Since its inception in 2020, Our Heritage has awarded $1,250,000 in matching grants to Chabad day schools, enabling over 575 students to transfer from public schools to Jewish education. The impact is profound, with families finding solace and community in these schools. An all-immersive Torah education has allowed children to build a strong Jewish identity and transform the future of the Jewish people.
The dinner aimed to raise funds and awareness for the Our Heritage program. It was a touching experience to hear directly from the children about how transferring to a Jewish school changed their lives. Parents shared how this move transformed their families, and principals spoke about the profound impact on students. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and inspiring, with a packed room of supporters.
One student, Leora, shared, “This is my first year in a Jewish school, and it’s been the best year of my middle school experience. When I was in public school, I always felt like an outcast. I had no one to share my experiences with, to bond over holidays or Jewish experiences. The almost constant discrimination I felt was very difficult for me. But then I came to Tenafly Chabad and everything was different. Everyone was kind and the teachers genuinely cared about me. For the first time that I can remember, I felt proud to be Jewish. It changed my life.”
Leora’s mother, Esther, echoed her sentiments: “Even before October 7th, Leora was bullied and made to feel uncomfortable because of her faith [in public school]. Tenafly Chabad accepted her with open arms, changing the trajectory of her life. Torah was brought back into our home, and we are eternally grateful.”
Adam Kishnevsky, another student, spoke directly to the donors, sharing that “your support is not just a donation; it’s an investment in the future of Jewish leadership. I attended public schools for the first ten years of my life and always felt different. Transferring to Tenafly Chabad Academy changed everything. Next year, I will continue my Jewish education at a Yeshiva high school.”
Adam’s mother, Julia, highlighted the broader impact, “Your support provided my child with an excellent education and a nurturing environment. This journey has profoundly transformed our entire family, bringing us closer and deepening our spiritual Jewish connection. We now keep kosher, observe Shabbos, attend shul, and celebrate holidays with newfound devotion.”
The principal of Tenafly Chabad, Mrs. Meital Teitelman, emphasized the significance of these transfers, “Every child who switches from public school thrives in every way—socially, academically, spiritually, and personally. Our Heritage is a lifeline for families who realize public schools are not viable for any Jewish child. Now more than ever, we must awaken every Jewish family to the ultimate gift we can give our children—a Jewish education.”
In a significant announcement, the Menachem Education Foundation (MEF) committed to increasing the sponsorship per child from $2,500 to $3,000. This decision underscores the urgent need to support Jewish children in leaving public schools for a Jewish education, especially given the current rise in antisemitism and the escalating costs of living and education.
“Our Heritage is not just providing financial assistance but offering a lifeline to Jewish children,” explained Rabbi Shneur. “We are investing in a future where Jewish identity is preserved and celebrated, ensuring that Jewish children stand strong in the face of adversity.”
The event’s host committee included Chaim Shneur, Daniel Vaturi, Edward Omid Mehrfar, Martin Wolf, Natalie Maksin, Norman Bobrow, and Rabbi Zalman Shneur, who all played a pivotal role in organizing this significant gathering.
