Mechanchim are at the front lines of building our community from the inside, but as their work is often behind the scenes they don’t always get the appreciation they deserve. This changed at the Gala Chinuch Banquet of the Kinus Hamechanchim, 5784, jointly organized by the Merkos Chinuch Office and Menachem Education Foundation (MEF).
After a full day of sessions and workshops, 324 Mechanchim entered the ballroom of the Sleepy Hollow hotel to be wined and dined, empowered and inspired, in a beautiful setting. Rabbi Zalmen Shimon Itkin, Principal of Cheder Chabad, Florida, emceed the event, with a Dvar Torah by Rabbi Shimon Gerlitzky of Oholei Torah/ Oholei Menachem, and greetings from Rabbi Zalman Shneur, founder and executive director of MEF.
Rabbi Shneur Wilhelm, principal of Lubavitch Hebrew Academy of Margate, FL, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the immeasurable impact of Shlichus in Chinuch.
Mechanchim were treated to an impactful video presentation created specifically for this event, and musical entertainment (vocal only for the three weeks) with Yossi Cohen and the Kapelle choir.
Every participant received a gift from MEF, the book “Chinuch With the Times: Insights for An Inspired Educator”, redesigned for this occasion. The highly acclaimed book features nuggets of Chinuch advice and inspiration for every week of the year, connected with Yomim Tovim and other special dates, and can be purchased by other interested readers on mymef.org/shop.
After dessert, Mechanchim flocked to a farbrengen with noted mashpia Rabbi Osher Farkash, joining them from Argentina. Hours passed as educators soaked in his insight and experience, and guidance from the Rebbe on Chinuch.
Most of all, participants felt the strength of unity, with double the amount of participants as previous years joining from 60 schools worldwide. The beauty of this event showcased the power of Achdus, with two Chinuch organizations joining forces to bring this program to Mechanchim.
“Unbelievable, This is a whole other level of Chinuch. This is taking Chinuch and making it what its really supposed to be. Beyond anything I can imagine,” Rabbi Yechezkel Akerman from Cheder Chabad Florida said. It was a truly memorable evening, providing a meaningful boost for Mechanchim before going back to the new school year.
The Menachem Education Foundation and the Merkos Chinuch Office would like to extend their deepest thanks to Alyson Feldman of FFH Events, Dovi Abraham of Zikron Digital and Chaim Zippel, banquet producer for arranging a once-in-a-lifetime impactful experience for Mechanchim.
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