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Rabbi Avrohom Wolowik, COO Cheder Chabad Cheder families. From where do your families come and what attracts them to Baltimore: Many families are moving from New York and other metropolitan centers due to the affordable cost of living, the outstanding reputation of Baltimore’s Jewish community and the governmental support for education. Some are recent Ba’alei Teshuvah from smaller Jewish communities, looking for a community with an established infrastructure that will support their needs as they grow in their observance. We also serve the families of the Chabad shluchim in the greater Baltimore area, from up north in Lancaster, PA, all the way down south to Fairfax, VA. What is the “outstanding reputation of the Baltimore Jewish community?” Baltimore is very eclectic and it is known for its many Chesed organizations that work with all different segments of our community. Also unique about Baltimore is the unity among the mosdos chinuch (educational institutions). There is an amazingly high level of collaborations among the different schools, as they are united in the same mission and purpose. Another unique phenomenon is the high level of support from the community’s lay leaders, morally, financially and logistically. What types of governmental support attract people to Baltimore and specifically to the Cheder?
The BOOST grant is very helpful for lower income families. Additionally, the Cheder has a fully licensed preschool starting with infants as young as 6 weeks. We are able to accept CCS Child Care vouchers that significantly reduce the out-of-pocket costs for families. Cheder also recently received an EXCELS level 3 quality rating for Childcare. What is EXCELS? Maryland EXCELS is the state’s quality rating and improvement system for licensed childcare and early education programs that meet nationally recognized quality standards above and beyond basic licensing requirements. Cheder is the only Orthodox Jewish school in the area with this rating. Is there anything else you would like our readers to know? Over 60% of our families are on scholarship. We rely on our wonderful community to partner with us in the great mitzvah of supporting our school. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 16-17, the Cheder will be holding its annual matching campaign where every dollar donated is matched by generous donors. Our goal is to raise a total of $300,000 for our scholarship fund. By investing in Cheder Chabad, you are investing in the leadership of the next generation. To donate, please log on to www. ChederFutureForward.com
B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M
Please tell us a little about yourself RAW: I was born and raised in Montreal in a Lubavitcher family. I went to Lubavitcher yeshivos in London, England and Morristown, NJ where I received a BA in Judaic studies. I was then sent on shlichus (serving as a Chabad emissary) to the Lubavitcher Yeshiva in Boston, MA for one year. I then spent three years at the Central Lubavitcher Yeshiva in Crown Heights where I received semicha (rabbinic ordination). I have been involved in chinuch (Jewish education) since 1999, first as a teacher and then serving as principal at the Cheder Chabad in Monsey for 10 years. What brought you to Baltimore? Cheder Chabad in Baltimore was experiencing exponential growth and was transitioning from a day school startup operation to a multi-faceted large organization. I was recruited to take them through that process and beyond. What is unique about Cheder Chabad? One of the cornerstones of Chas-
sidus Chabad is an emphasis on Ahavas Yisroel (love of Jewish people), underscoring the value of every single neshomo (soul). The same belief and philosophy that motivates shluchim (Chabad emissaries) to move to Ho Chi Min City, China, Boise, Idaho, or Guatemala City is what drives the chinuch philosophy at the Cheder. No two children are the same. Each child has distinct qualities and talents. At times it may be difficult to uncover and develop those qualities. Every effort must be made to ensure that no stone goes unturned to provide for the needs of every individual. The Cheder is fortunate to have an exemplary faculty that is extremely dedicated to providing for the chinuch needs of our students, going way beyond the normal call of duty. The chinuch children receive at Chabad institutions consistently stresses the responsibility each and every one of us has towards our fellow brothers and sisters. This message is the reason that a high percentage of graduates from Chabad institutions choose careers in community service in areas such as shlichus, education and community leadership. Many of our graduates who choose other careers or professions are also very involved in community affairs. In addition to the educational needs of its students, the Cheder also ensures that they receive physical sustenance necessary to develop as healthy children. We are now serving free breakfast, lunch and snack to all
NOVEMBER 4, 2021
Sam@TheRosenblattGroup.com www.TheRosenblattGroup.com
THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME
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