The joy of Chinuch filled the air at the 9th Annual Gala Chinuch Banquet at the Kinus Mechanchos Chabad, as 554 educators gathered for an evening of Chinuch inspiration and empowerment.
The program kicked off with an immersive exhibit, in collaboration with the Yocheved Gourarie Kindness Award, to express gratitude to teachers. In the “Garden of Impact” exhibit, educators had the opportunity to experience firsthand how their students grow and flourish.
“Kindness and Joy,” a professional multimedia production produced by Mrs. Sarah Zohar, opened the evening bringing inspiration to Mechanchos together with the Rebbe’s timeless messages about education.
Master of Ceremonies, Mrs Shaina Mushka Einstein, teacher at Cheder Chabad of New Haven, CT, led the program with her signature passion and energy for Chinuch. Chaya Mushka Lubin, who teaches in Shluchim Online School, led the recital of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s Kapitals.
Rabbi Zalman Shneur, Founder and Executive Director of the Menachem Education Foundation, who organizes the Kinus Mechanchos every year, shared impactful stories of Chinuch that have spread over multiple generations. He profusely thanked the Mechanchos for their dedication to today’s children, and the Kinus Mechanchos team who worked tirelessly to make the Kinus happen. Rabbi Shneur also launched a few new projects of MEF raising the bar of Chinuch even higher.
A musical tribute by Chaviva Tarlow and her choir deeply moved the teachers. She performed an original song, “Reu Gedulim” written specifically for the banquet. A youthful choir also expressed their gratitude to their teachers.
Mechanchos were treated to a keynote address by Mrs. Sara Pinson, founder and Head of School at Kerem Menahem in Nice, France. In her talk she spoke about her Shlichus in Chinuch which has spanned over many years, and the impact that it has left on countless students. Her unique approach to Chinuch generated laughter and inspiration as she inspired the educators to strive high.
Following this, a surprise award ceremony moved and inspired mechanchos, recognizing veteran educator Mrs. Batsheva Deren, a member of the Vaad Hakinus, for her tireless and ongoing dedication to students and educators alike. In a surprising turn, Mrs. Deren then put the spotlight on new teachers embarking on their Chinuch Shlichus. 50 teachers in their first three years in Chinuch received a beautiful certificate and rose in gratitude for representing the future of Chinuch.
A concluding medley and dancing led by Chaviva Tarlow united Mechanchos hand in hand as they celebrated Chinuch with one another.
The Menachem Education Foundation would like to extend their deepest thanks to Alyson Feldman of FFH Events, Dovi Abraham of Zikron Digital and Mrs. Sarah Zohar, Creative Director of the Banquet, for arranging a once-in-a-lifetime impactful experience for Mechanchos.
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Outstanding 2 days with fellow teachers. Incredibly organized and first class convention. Powerful workshops. I loved every minute there. THANK YOU MEF/MERKOS!!
Shaina Mushka Einstein is a treasure, and New Haven is lucky to have her. Not just for her cheerful attitude, not just for her beautiful guitar-playing and singing, not just for her dugma chaya of joyous and thought-out parenting, but for her dedication and efforts in her classroom and her school. I know her father is a beloved teacher in Crown Heights. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.