At the Yeshiva Ktana named after Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, a leading educational institution of the Jewish Community of Dnipro for boys, a wonderful tradition has appeared with the start of the new school year – every week, the best students are recognized with special awards that not only testify to their achievements but can also become an adornment of the family Shabbos table.
Every week, the teachers select in each class two students who have most distinguished themselves in one of three areas: “Ahavas Yisrael” – showing love for one’s fellow, care, and a kind attitude toward those around them; “Diligence in Study” – perseverance and conscientiousness in studying Torah and the foundations of Chassidus; “Inspired Prayer” – sincere prayer with concentration and a special inner feeling. Thus, the three most important components of raising a true young chassid are encouraged – one who will bring nachas to the Rebbe through their attitude toward other people, their study of Torah, and their service of the Almighty with great joy and elevation.
The special feature of the new awards lies in their unusual design. These are colorful certificates made in the form of decorative labels that can be placed on a bottle of wine for the Shabbos Kiddush. Each nomination has its own color, and the shared inscription “A True Jewish Chassid” emphasizes the significance of the students’ achievements. Thanks to this solution, the award will not remain merely a commemorative certificate but will be able to take an honorable place on the Shabbos table or during a farbrengen, and parents, brothers, sisters, and guests will be able to rejoice together in the boy’s successes.
“We are very proud of our students, their diligence in study, sincere prayer, and good deeds, and we want each of their successes to become a joy not only for the teachers but also for the entire family,” notes Rabbanit Chana Segal, director of Yeshiva Ktana. “After all, it is especially pleasant when, at the festive table, everyone can congratulate the boy on his well-deserved award, rejoice in his achievements, and wish him new successes. It is precisely from such daily efforts and small victories that the education of true chassidim is built – the future generation of the united and cohesive Jewish Community of Dnipro under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.”
