LA Schools Starts Project Mashpia

How Project “M” changed our school – written by a staff member

Many have come to the conclusion, that in those days the Rebbe was able to give us guidance per each situation, but unfortunately nowadays it’s almost a lost cause… especially when it comes to Chinuch within Lubavitch schools.

But, Bais Chaya Mushka of Los Angeles, has proven this wrong! Because, the Rebbe has given the answers and tremendous guidance even today.

Here are a few excerpts of letters from the Rebbe, that has guided & answered many, like Bais Chaya Mushka Los Angeles, and can have the greatest effect on every school:

“I am interested to know if efforts are being made with the students of the higher grades to make them into madrichim (counselors), and mechanchim (educators) to the younger grades (and it is understood that my intention in this is not to give them a job etc., but rather to accustom them in the inyan of hadracha (leadership/guidance) and chinuch).  Another advantage in this is that it motivates them to be more diligent, to add in their knowledge and to be scrupulous in good conduct.” (Igros Kodesh, vol.11, p.206),  Shaarei Chinuch p.234

“We clearly see that showing trust in students of the higher grades and elevating them to the level of teacher and mashpia even for a few hours, adds to their motivation to be diligent and studious in their learning, and connects them to the mosad and its inyanim”(Igros Kodesh, vol.15, p.371),  Shaarei Chinuch p.234

“… to strengthen his motivation, in addition to his learning, it would be good to find him a position where he will be a leader, such as a group of children younger than him, and he will learn with them limmudei kodesh, etc.  We see clearly that success in this adds in vigor and independence…”(Igros Kodesh vol. 19, p.373)

The Rebbe wanted students of higher grades to be given leadership positions over younger children, which will in turn motivate those leaders to be motivated in Limudei Torah and scrupulous in their conduct.

Bais Chaya Mushka Elementary and Bais Rebbe Junior High used the Rebbe’s guidance to create an incredible and successful program called “Project M”, also known as Project Mashpia.

The Rebbe had a Bakasha Nafshis & PERSONALLY REQUESTED that each Chossid, young and old, should have a Mashpia, a mentor to guide us in our Avodas Hashem.

And we knew exactly who to choose for this great responsibility! Each 8th grader, has been appointed and accepted upon themselves to be a Mashpia to the students from the younger grades 2nd-5th Grade. The 8th Graders, first watched a beautiful video of the Rebbe explaining the qualities a Mashpia must have, and the incredible power they have as the “role models & oldest grade in school” and then got straight to work!

The Mashpias visit the classrooms each week, encouraging and helping the students with their Tzivos Hashem weekly missions and goals as soldiers in the world’s greatest army to bring Moshiach Now!

Together with the incredible programs Tzivos Hashem Headquarters has created, and their School Base Commander, Chaya Illulian, the Mashpias are giving the students, while gaining themselves, so much Chayus in doing what needs to be done!

The students who put the extra effort in fulfilling their goals, were recently rewarded with a Tzivos Hashem themed Carnival together with their dedicated Mashpios! The Mashpios are now busy testing the girls on Tanya Baal Peh as a gift for the Rebbe’s Birthday.

Even before the girls join project “M” in 8th grade, 6th & 7th graders are given opportunities to be leaders by learning with the younger students b’chavrusa on special occasions.

If any school is interested in joining Project “M” and implementing it into their school system, please contact Bais Chaya Mushka at (310) 859-8840. It has been a great success and has made a huge difference in our Mashpios (the older students) and the younger students!