The children of Rome’s Gan Chaya preschool serenaded renowned educator Rabbi Bernard Lander, founder and president of Touro College.
Lander was in town last week for the inauguration of Touro’s new campus in the Italian capital. Speaking from his New York office on Wednesday, Lander said that the visit to the preschool was one of the highlights of his trip.
“The young little children were full of life and vigor,” said Lander, 92. “It was just really wonderful.”
Lander, who sat and spoke with the children, was the guest of preschool administrator Sarah Hazan, co-director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Rome.
“They sang beautifully,” added Lander, who in 1971 established Touro, an international institution with more than 17,500 students at campuses in New York, California, Florida, Nevada, Israel, Russia and Germany.
According to Hazan, the children were thrilled with the visit.
“They loved it,” she said. “They were laughing a lot, and especially liked the blessing that Dr. Lander gave them.”
After the performance, Rabbi Yitzchok Hazan, fellow co-director of the Chabad House, presented Lander with a special edition of the Tanya that was printed in Rome.
Said Lander of the preschool: “They should be proud of what they have accomplished.”
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