Rabbi Avraham Varnai is the Kitah Daled Limudei Kodesh Teacher & Program Director at Cheder Lubavitch Chicago
Which school, grade, and subjects do you teach?
I’m the Kitah Daled Limudei Kodesh teacher at Cheder Lubavitch in Chicago. I also run school-wide programs, including Tzivos Hashem and Chidon.
What made you choose teaching?
Growing up, my mother was a teacher in Vancouver, and I was always impressed by her devotion and dedication. From the time I was a Bachur, I found myself drawn to Chinuch — teaching and working with children on Shlichus. During my travels in New Jersey, Lithuania, and Scotland, I taught Bar Mitzvah classes, gave lessons about the Yomim Tovim and Chassidus, and worked with children of Shluchim. Ever since, I’ve felt a deep drive to share the spark of Yiddishkeit and Torah knowledge with others.
Tell us about some of your Chinuch passions:
I’m passionate about making learning a fun and meaningful experience. When children enjoy learning, it truly reaches their hearts. I believe in hands-on learning, and I bring creative, experiential activities into the classroom whenever possible.
I also care deeply about instilling good Middos and encouraging positive behavior. I focus on the good, noticing and praising Mentchlichkeit whenever I see it. As an educator, one of my main goals is to help my students grow into true Mentchen.
Another passion of mine is helping children feel success in their learning. It’s not just about mastering a Rashi — it’s about seeing their own progress. Even for naturally strong students, I want them to challenge themselves and taste success, because one success leads to another.
What are some challenges you face in your classroom?
Keeping students motivated and excited about Torah learning can be challenging, especially with the many distractions of modern technology. There’s so much competing for their attention, and we work hard to keep the light of Yiddishkeit shining strong.
How do you stay motivated during the year?
To stay motivated, I believe in constantly bringing in a sense of hischadshus — renewal. Each year, I look for new creative ideas and fresh tools to use in the classroom. I also take advantage of school breaks to recharge, reflect, and return with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
Share a moment of inspiration from your teaching:
When I first began teaching at Cheder, I created a special Chanukah project with my students — we built a Menorah made from over 10,000 popsicle sticks! That first project sparked a beloved annual tradition that has now continued for over 20 years.
A few years in, I decided to shift the focus of the Menorah Project from creativity alone to Chessed. Since then, each year’s menorah represents a meaningful cause.
This past year, my students raised thousands of dollars to sponsor Tzitzis, Mezuzahs, Sefarim, and even Tefillin for soldiers in Eretz Yisroel for their Ruchniyus protection. One year, we built a menorah out of thousands of donated food cans, later sent to local food banks. Another year, we created a menorah out of care packages for Jewish soldiers in the U.S. military, and with the help from Aleph Institute and other institutions, we were able to ship them to soldiers stationed worldwide. The soldiers’ heartfelt letters of thanks showed our students the impact of their kindness — that Jewish children in Chicago could bring light across the world.
What are your hobbies outside of school?
I love spending time with my family, and road trips are a favorite adventure. We enjoy exploring new places and visiting relatives across Canada, Eretz Yisroel, and the United States.
What do you find most rewarding about teaching?
Having taught for 21 years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching hundreds of students — including at the girls’ Cheder. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them grow into Bachurim, go on Shlichus, get married, and start families of their own.
A special joy of teaching in a smaller community like ours is that I get to watch my own children grow — not just as a parent, but also as a teacher — seeing their development in both learning and Mentchlichkeit.
Who are your Chinuch role models?
I’m blessed to work alongside an exceptional team of Mechanchim and Shluchim at Cheder Lubavitch. Many of my colleagues were actually my own teachers, and I constantly learn from their example. I also carry the inspiration of the older Chassidim I grew up around — watching how they led farbrengens and lived with Chassidus so deeply. Their warmth, sincerity, and passion for Yiddishkeit taught me what it truly means to give over Chassidus.
What is your Chinuch message to parents?
Raising children al taharas hakodesh is vital for our future generations. A strong partnership between home and school makes all the difference. When children see that parents, teachers, and school are united with positivity and shared values, it gives them confidence and excitement to grow as true Chassidim.
And finally — remember that one good year and one good class can change a child’s life. When parents and teachers invest positive energy into helping their child have a strong year B’ruchniyus, it can leave a lasting impression for years to come. Let’s make this year the best one yet!
