For four years and counting, educators have been gathering monthly during the school year for Zoom farbrengens through the Menachem Education Foundation (MEF), bringing them together for Chizuk, inspiration and guidance on Chassidishe Chinuch.
At the Kinus Mechanchos Chabad 5779, Rabbi Shimon Raichik a”h made the recommendation that teachers gather before Chassidishe Yomim Tovim to farbreng about what they want to bring out for their students. Shortly afterwards, the Mechanchos Farbrengen was born, gathering monthly to focus on timely topics in Chinuch and receive a boost in their teaching.
These farbrengens have carried educators through difficult times. When the Covid-19 pandemic isolated educators and compounded the challenges of teaching, these virtual farbrengens were already up and running to provide a sense of connection and collaboration for Mechanchos. When war broke out in Eretz Yisrael on Simchas Torah of this year, it was Mechanchim this time who took the bull by the horns, immediately putting together a farbrengen of Chizuk and practical guidance on Isru Chag. Since then, monthly Mechanchim farbrengens have been taking place as well, in the zchus of Acheinu Bnai Yisrael.
Rabbi Levi Kaplan, Menahel of Cheder Chabad of Monsey, spearheads the Mechanchim Farbrengens and serves as MC. Rabbi Noach Kosofsky, principal of Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy in Massachusetts, shared feedback on one of the farbrengens: “It gave me Chizuk, it was inspiring and it gave a focus on what our role is. It was a breath of fresh air and gave a positive way to look at things. Yasher Koach!”
The next farbrengen will focus on Inspiring Our תלמידים to Prepare for י’ שבט, with Rabbi Mendy Levin, Menahel of Cheder Chabad Philadelphia, and Rabbi Enan Francis, Menahel of Torah Day School of Houston, on Wednesday, ח’ טבת. Any Chabad Mechanech is welcome to join via the Zoom details on the flier.
Mrs. Chanah Rose of MEF organizes the women’s farbrengens, many times in collaboration with the Mechanchos Exchange and other organizations and educators. Mrs. Chani Posner is a busy Shlucha, and principal of New England Hebrew Academy in Boston, yet she frequently makes time to join. “The topics are so pertinent,” she shares, “and I feel like we Mechanchos understand each other and support each other. Thank you for the meaningful messages and practical ideas.”
Mechanchos will be gathering for their next farbrengen on Monday, ו’ טבת, focusing on “Geulas Haseforim: Bringing the Learning to Life” with Mrs. Hindy Kalmenson and Mrs. Mushkie Lipsker.
Recordings of many past farbrengens are available at mymef.org/videos, but teachers have reported that there is nothing like participating live to gain inspiration from “שבת אחים גם יחד”. MEF invites educators not yet on their contact list to fill in this form in order to stay in the loop and never miss a farbrengen. As a bonus, all educators who provide their contact info before the next farbrengen takes place will receive a free copy of MEF’s new book “Chinuch With The Times: Insights for an Inspired Educator.”
As participant Mrs. Chanie Nemes put it, “I feel that when I’m inspired, my students are inspired.” Don’t miss this opportunity to plug in and recharge for your Shlichus of Chinuch!
