In the days leading up to Pesach, a unique initiative quietly took shape—one that would go on to leave a lasting impression on both mechanchim and the wider community.
Coordinated by Igud HaMelamdim – Lubavitch Chinuch Organization, a Teacher Appreciation Sale brought together local businesses with a shared purpose: to recognize and honor the mechanchim and mechanchos who devote themselves to the chinuch of our children.
A total of 475 teachers took part, benefiting from special discounts offered across a range of participating stores.
Yet beyond the practical benefit, something deeper emerged.
Store owners joined with genuine warmth and enthusiasm, many expressing that it was not simply an opportunity to participate—but a privilege. The sense of appreciation was palpable, and several business owners noted that the experience was so meaningful, they are already thinking ahead to how they can take part again next year.
Participating stores included, in alphabetical order: Crown Drugs, Eber’s Wine Store, Judaica World, Merkaz Stam, Raskin’s Fish, Raskin’s Fruit Store, Regency Cleaners, Top Fashion, Tzfasman Jewelers, and Weinstein’s Hardware.
Each store added its own voice to the initiative.
Yudi Eber, of Eber’s Wine Store, was the first to step forward, graciously helping set the effort in motion and expressing how honored he felt to be involved.
Dan Dashevsky of Crown Drugs joined readily, recognizing the importance of showing appreciation.
Peretz Mishulovin of Merkaz Stam spoke with a deep sense of hakaras hatov for all that teachers do on behalf of the community’s children.
Ariel Pinson of Weinstein’s Hardware reflected simply: this is the right thing to do.
Shloimy Kapelushnik of Regency Cleaners responded immediately and wholeheartedly, expressing sincere gratitude.
Rabbi Dovid Rimler of Judaica World, himself a longtime mechanech, readily agreed to participate, offering discounts across his store.
Berel Tzfasman of Tzfasman Jewelers shared his excitement, noting how meaningful it was to see a teacher benefit from the opportunity.
Simcha Raskin of Raskin’s Fruit Store captured the essence of the initiative, noting that mechanchim and mechanchos deserve to be honored as true honorees—much like veteran soldiers who are recognized for their service.
At Raskin’s Fish, Shlomo Raskin and Yossi Raskin reflected that the initiative was carried out in a beautiful way—expressing genuine honor to the teachers, while also creating a sense of appreciation that was felt in return.
At Top Fashion, Mrs. Blizinsky emphasized that mechanchos stand at the very core of our nation, warmly extending her participation in their honor.
As word of the initiative spread, its impact reached beyond the immediate participants. It was even mentioned on a well-known podcast as part of a broader conversation about the rising appreciation and recognition of educators in today’s times.
Rabbi Avrohom Bluming, Director of Igud HaMelamdim, reflected that honoring teachers is, in essence, an expression of care for our children. It is the mechanchim and mechanchos who give of themselves fully, ensuring that the next generation grows with a strong and authentic chassidishe chinuch.
What began as a practical initiative became something more—a quiet but powerful statement from the community itself: that those who dedicate their lives to our children are seen, valued, and deserving of honor.
