This interview, conducted in the days before Sukkos 5785, captures the enduring vision of a remarkable leader who dedicated his life to building Torah and spreading Chassidus. These reflections stand as a testament to a life of extraordinary dedication, offering a glimpse into the heart of a man who built an empire of Torah and brought countless Jews closer to their heritage. From its humble beginnings to becoming a premier Lubavitch educational institution that now educates 4th generation students, Cheder Lubavitch Morristown stands as a testament to the unwavering vision of its founder, Rabbi Moshe Herson OBM, head shliach of New Jersey and former Dean of the Rabbinical College of America.
In Loving Memory of Rabbi Moshe Herson and Rebbetzin Perel Herson
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MORRISTOWN, NJ — Driving up the winding driveway of the Rabbinical College of America is a breathtaking experience – one that has been transformed dramatically. Those who haven't visited in the past five years would barely recognize the campus today: a new building and pavilion have reshaped the landscape, while new sidewalks, lighting, girls' school façade and additional fields further enhance the grounds, marking a period of growth and beautification. This campus represents more than just physical beauty – it embodies the unwavering vision of Rabbi Moshe Herson, head shliach of New Jersey and Dean of the Rabbinical College of America, who has dedicated his life to nurturing the growth and learning of the Lubavitcher Rebbe's children.
Inspired by the Rebbe's passionate discussions about chinuch during his farbrengens in 1975, Rabbi Herson took the momentous step of establishing a cheder. The Cheder has since transformed from its modest beginnings into a premier educational institution that includes a comprehensive educational framework: a preschool and separate facilities for boys and girls elementary and middle school. This growth wasn't without its challenges – the early years brought financial struggles and difficulties in recruiting qualified teachers. Yet Rabbi Herson's determination never wavered.
"There was a time when we were at a crossroads," Rabbi Herson reflects, sharing a pivotal moment in the school's history. "While our cheder was open to anyone seeking a Jewish education, we realized we needed to establish clear standards and direction. As shluchim, we are in the world, but when it comes to our children's chinuch, we must maintain what I call 'elevated Yiddishkeit.'"
Inspired by the Rebbe's passionate discussions about chinuch during farbrengens in 1975, Rabbi Herson established what would become a comprehensive educational framework with separate facilities for boys and girls, spanning from preschool through middle school.
"While our cheder was open to anyone seeking a Jewish education, we realized we needed to establish clear standards and direction," Rabbi Herson reflected in one of his final interviews before his passing. "As shluchim, we are in the world, but when it comes to our children's chinuch, we must maintain what I call 'elevated Yiddishkeit.'"
This commitment to excellence has drawn families from far and wide, with some students passing twenty other chederim everyday to attend Cheder Lubavitch Morristown. Our Cheder’s success lies in the firm commitment of its teachers and staff. Rabbi Herson expresses profound gratitude for these dedicated educators who bring the school's mission to life each day.
The success of this approach is evident in the school's legacy – now educating fourth-generation students, including Rabbi Herson's own great-grandchildren. "This investment has brought very sweet fruits," he shares with visible emotion.
The Rebbe’s Special Connection
The development of Morristown was warmly embraced by the Rebbe. He saw the community as a model for shluchim and anash communities worldwide, exemplifying growth and sustainability.
A touching story illustrates this special connection. When artistic drawings for student and staff housing were presented to the Rebbe, Rabbi Herson eagerly awaited their return for an upcoming fundraising dinner. In a memorable exchange, he approached Rabbi Groner to inquire about the drawings on a Tuesday. After a thoughtful pause, Rabbi Groner looked at Rabbi Herson and revealed, "Do you know where the Rebbe puts this picture? It's on an easel at the end of his room so when he looks up from his desk, he can see it."
"When I heard this, I was shocked," Rabbi Herson recalls. "Had I known it would be so special to the Rebbe, I'd have had two drawings made, one for the Rebbe and one to display at the fundraising event that coming Sunday!"
The Rebbe's response was characteristic of his care and consideration: "You need the drawings for Sunday? Then we still have a few days to go." They were returned to Rabbi Herson on Friday morning.
Recent Cheder Lubavitch Morristown expansions include the completion of a nearly $700,000 renovation project in just nine weeks. Students returned from summer break to discover larger classrooms, a new lunchroom, widened hallways, and a state-of-the-art sports facility for physical education and indoor recess. These improvements reflect the Rebbe's emphasis on "shaynkeit" (beauty) in educational institutions, insisting facilities be "shain un rain" – beautiful and clean.
#GiftofCheder Campaign Launches
As Cheder Lubavitch Morristown approaches its jubilee year, the school has launched its annual fundraising campaign with an ambitious goal of raising $150,000 in just 36 hours. The #GiftofCheder campaign begins today, February 25th, and continues through February 26th.
"We stand firmly on fifty years of educational excellence while boldly stepping into our future," explains Gani Goodman, Program and Event Coordinator at Cheder Lubavitch Morristown. "Our pledge of 'building on a strong foundation' is more than a mantra for our students—it's our blueprint for growth as an institution."
The funds raised will support continued improvements to the campus facilities and educational programming, ensuring the physical space matches the caliber of the school's educational vision for the next five decades of chinuch.
To support the #GiftofCheder campaign, visit https://www.charidy.com/morristown/. All donations will be matched, doubling your impact during this critical 36-hour period.
For more information about Cheder Lubavitch Morristown visit chedermorristown.org.
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