Cheder Safety Lesson Prevents Chol Hamoed Scare for Heimishe Family in Rockland

By Y.M. Lowy

A Rockland family’s Chol Hamoed trip nearly ended in panic during what should have been a simple train ride outing. 

The family had boarded a scenic train, excited for a relaxed and fun Chol Hamoed outing. As the train pulled into a stop, their young son stepped off first, assuming his parents and siblings were right behind him. But before the rest of the family could make it to the platform, the doors suddenly closed - and the train pulled away, leaving the boy alone at a nearly deserted station, and his parents helplessly watching from the moving train.

Panic set in. Their child had just been left behind in an unfamiliar place, and they were speeding further away with no way to get off. As soon as the train arrived at the next stop, the frantic parents ran to a train worker and explained what had happened. The worker quickly took down the details of the child and radioed ahead, instructing the next train crew to pick up the child and bring him to the next station.

Thankfully, the plan worked. Within minutes, the next train arrived with their son, calm and safe.

Just days earlier, his cheder had held a safety program that taught children what to do if they get separated from their parents. The lesson was clear: stay where you are and wait for help to arrive. 

With summer trips and family outings coming up, it’s a good time for parents to talk to their children about safety. Kids should know what to do if they ever get separated, like staying in one place and waiting for help. Teaching these simple rules can help keep children calm until an adult arrives. A few minutes of safety talk at home can make a big difference in a moment of danger.

Illustration photo: Shutterstock