42 Mechanchim Graduate MEF’s ‘Lehagia Lehashpia’ Training Program

“Empowered educators impact their talmidim,” is one of the leading motives of the Menachem Education Foundation (MEF). In this spirit they created the “Lehagia Lehashpia,” program to train Mechanchim, Menahalim, Mashpiim and Mashgichim of Bachurim how to reach every Bachur, and impact them in a positive and lasting way.

The five week course, held online in interactive sessions, was led by Rabbi Shalom Ber Halberstam, Menahel of Mesivta Lubavitch, Chicago, with presenters Rabbi Sholom Scharf, Mashpia in Chicago as well, and Rabbi Osher Farkash, Mashpia at the Chabad Yeshiva of Buenos Aires, Argentina. These noted Mechanchim discussed topics such as building relationships with Talmidim, understanding their current challenges, and encouraging growth in their Yiddishkeit and Chassidishkeit.

Rabbi Dr. Yosef Shagalow gave a guest presentation on students’ mental health needs, and Rabbi Shais Taub and Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Jacobson led a joint farbrengen for the final session. 42 Mechanchim successfully completed the program, and shared how helpful it was to their Shlichus in Chinuch.

“The program taught me how to view my Shlichus in Chinuch, and gave me chayus to show up with excitement every day,” shared Rabbi Moshe Lerman, Menahel of Yeshiva Ketana Moscow. “It was all-inclusive, and I learned practical eitzos, like how to approach a Bachur, as well as a general Hashkafah from each presenter.”

Rabbi Abba Naparstek of Oholei Torah Mesivta thanked MEF for the program, and his hope that it continues.

“Learning ideas and techniques based on Torah and Chassidus, and hearing personal experience from other members of Hanhalah, provided an uplifting and educational experience. Yasher Koach for organizing such a wonderful program,” he said.

In the opening session, Rabbi Halberstam introduced the program by bringing out a central idea of Lubavitch education, as outlined by the Frierdiker Rebbe in Likkutei Dibburim, and how it needs to be applied today.

Recollecting the early days of Tomchei Temimim in Likkutei Dibburim, the Frierdiker Rebbe describes the culture of respect there. He states that the four foundations of Tomchei Temimim were: Ahava, Emes, Ne’emanus and Mesirus – Love, truth, trust and dedication. The Bachurim listened because they felt like a family – each Talmid was like a son and between each other they felt like brothers. Due to the strong foundations of trust, the Bachurim happily complied with instructions.

Rabbi Halberstam concluded his message that “even if our students are challenging, we must elicit our inner Ahava. The students at Tomchei Temimim felt it, therefore they listened.”
These powerful values of the first Tomchei Temimim must permeate the framework of Chabad moisdos today.

“We look forward to putting together future programs on this topic,” says Rabbi Zalman Shneur, MEF Founder and Executive Director. “It is so inspiring to see how so many Mechanchim with decades in the field are willing to come out to learn how to strengthen their connection with their talmidim.”