New Chabad School to Open in Hillside, NJ

A new Chabad school will be opening in Hillside, NJ, founded by a group of parents and led by Rabbi Menachem and Mrs. Naomi Gansburg.

In recent years, the Chabad community of Hillside, New Jersey has experienced remarkable growth, attracting young families seeking a warm, vibrant, and thriving environment in which to build their homes. Yet as the community expanded, one critical need remained unmet: a local Chabad day school that would provide its children with a strong foundation in Torah, Chassidus, and Yiddishkeit.

“Chinuch is the cornerstone of a community, and without our own Lubavitch school, our community is lacking,” says Shabsi Zakheim, a parent and member of the Cheder’s Vaad.

Determined to fill that void, a dedicated group of parents came together with a shared vision: to establish a Cheder where every child feels welcomed, valued, and truly at home. What began as conversations around kitchen tables soon developed into a serious initiative to build the community’s first Chabad elementary Cheder.

After months of planning, preparation, and tireless effort, that vision is becoming a reality. Today, a new chapter in Chabad chinuch begins: Ohr Menachem NJ for girls, with future plans for a boys school as well, opens its doors, led by Rabbi Menachem and Mrs. Naomi Gansburg.

Levi Kumer, one of the parents behind the initiative, recalls the search for the right leadership team.

“We weren’t simply looking for administrators; we were looking for a couple who would view Ohr Menachem and its students as their personal Shlichus. After a painstaking search, we found educational leaders who bring warmth, enthusiasm, experience, and a genuine love for every child. At that point, our vision was really starting to take shape.”

“Rabbi and Mrs. Gansburg bring a Chassidishe energy and passion to the community, with a clear mission in mind: to make this dream a reality,” members of the Vaad explain.

We are proud to announce the opening of Ohr Menachem, a new home for Chabad education in the region.

Ohr Menachem is committed to providing an education rooted in Torah, Yiras Shamayim, and Hiskashrus to the Rebbe. With small class sizes and individualized attention, the school is designed to nurture the unique strengths and potential of every child while fostering a lifelong love of learning and Yiddishkeit.

Rabbi Gansburg expresses the school’s philosophy in one simple yet powerful thought:
“Ki Ha’adam Eitz Hasadeh. Every child is like a young sapling; with tender care, guidance, and attention, we will nurture the next generation of Chassidim.”

The Cheder’s dedicated mechanchim and mechanchos are deeply committed to the success and well-being of every Talmid. Their mission extends beyond academic excellence; they seek to cultivate a generation of proud Chassidim who embody the Rebbe’s values and are inspired to fulfill their role in bringing Moshiach.

What began as an ambitious dream is now taking shape as a lasting institution. Centrally located in Hillside, Ohr Menachem is uniquely positioned to serve as a regional hub for Chabad chinuch. Families from Staten Island, Union County, and communities throughout Western New Jersey have long faced limited options and lengthy commutes in pursuit of a high-quality Lubavitch education.
Ohr Menachem changes that reality.

With convenient access from multiple surrounding communities, Ohr Menachem offers families the opportunity to provide their children with a warm, nurturing Chabad education closer to home. More than a school for Hillside, Ohr Menachem is poised to become a central Lubavitch educational institution for the region, helping strengthen existing communities and providing a strong foundation for continued growth throughout Staten Island, Union County, and Northern New Jersey.

Enrollment is now open. Families seeking a warm, engaging, and inspiring educational environment are invited to learn more about what Ohr Menachem has to offer.

Now accepting applications for the Girls Division, Grades 2 and 3.

The foundation has been laid, and with Hashem’s help, Ohr Menachem will serve as a source of Torah, Chassidus, and inspiration for generations to come.

For more info visit https://ormenachemnj.com

Photo: Members of the Va’ad from right to left
Rabbi Kanelsky: director of Bris Avraham
Rabbi Mendy Flamer
Rabbi Shabsi Zakheim
Rabbi Menachem Gansburg
Rabbi Yanky Bennish
Additional members: Rabbi Levi Kumer
Rabbi Zalman Wisnefsky

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