The Menachem Education Foundation (MEF) is best known to teachers for its in-person Kinus Mechanchos in the summer, however MEF is committed to bringing opportunities for learning and Chizuk to educators throughout the year as well. Taking place on Zoom, monthly farbrengens and professional development webinars allow teachers to recharge from the comfort of home wherever they are around the world.
This month, MEF’s Mechanchos Farbrengen series offers a beautiful Tes Kislev event, entitled: “Why Chabad? Educators Share Their Journey to Chabad Chinuch.” After hearing from Mrs. Kesem Mia Hetsroni, teacher in Bais Chana of Delaware, Mrs. Yedida Wolf, assistant principal of Bnos Menachem High School, and Mrs. Odel Zirkind, teacher in Bais Rivka Montreal, participants will have the opportunity to share their own ideas about how to bring the special spark of Chabad Chinuch into their classrooms.
Mrs. Nechama Dina Goldenberg, teacher in Cheder Menachem, NJ, is a regular at monthly farbrengens. “I really enjoy coming on because it’s a breath of fresh air,” she shared. “I go to school day in, day out, and the grind can get to me. When I get on a Farbrengen, it’s very validating, it tells me I’m doing the right thing, I’m in the right place. This is not just a job, this is a Shlichus.“ The farbrengen will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 10 – ט’ כסלו, at 8:30 PM EST. Teachers and principals of all grades and school types can join at mymef.org/mechanchosfarbrengen.
The following week, teachers will be treated to a professional development opportunity to hone their skills for reaching every student. Mrs. Malka Bergstein, M. S. Ed., is the principal of Ichus Mosdos and a sought after workshop presenter, coach, and student advocate. Her workshop on “Executive Functioning” at the Kinus Mechanchos this summer had rave reviews, and due to the many requests for more, MEF staff is bringing her back for part two: “Empowering Your Students with Note-Taking and Study Skills.” Taking place on Tuesday, Dec. 17 – ט”ז כסלו, at 8:00 PM EST, this webinar is geared towards teachers and administrators of middle and high school. Pre-registration is required at mymef.org/webinars, but free of charge.
The Mechanchos Farbrengen series is now in its fourth year, having started even before Zoom gained popularity. Previous farbrengens this year focused on starting the school year with Simcha, and elevating the ordinary in Chodesh Cheshvan, with speakers including Mrs. Gitty Rosenfeld, Ms. Mushka Heidingsfeld, Mrs. Bracha Landa, and Mrs. Chaya Light.
The monthly webinar series, entitled “השתלמות המורים – PD Made Easy,” was launched this year, springing off the success of previous online and in-person programming. So far, the series has featured Mrs. Mushka Gopin on vital skills for the early childhood classroom, and Mrs. Rivka Fishman on bully proofing our children for both parents and educators.
These events are coordinated by Mrs. Chanah Rose, Educational Director of MEF, and Mrs. Mushkie Lipsker, Special Programs Coordinator. Farbrengens and workshops are also being organized for men in Chinuch, both in person and online. To never miss a farbrengen or webinar, educators can sign up for MEF emails. We hope to see you there!
