Over 250 Mechanchos have already signed up for an all-inclusive retreat hosted by Menachem Education Foundation, just for them. The Kinus Mechanchos Chabad takes place on July 21-22 – י”ב- י”ג מנחם אב, at the Crowne Plaza in Stamford, CT, offering two days of networking, workshops, inspirational talks and farbrengens, luxurious food and accommodations, and spa amenities to boot. With this year’s Kinus targeting teachers and school leaders of grades preK-12, of Limudei Kodesh and Limudei Chol, through tailored, parallel tracks for each group, educators are still signing up daily at www.chinuchconvention.org.
While educational conferences typically cost in the hundreds and even thousands, MEF is determined that every Chabad educator who wants to can access this important boost of energy and koichois for the new year, offering the Kinus at a highly accessible price point. Many schools have been successful in receiving government grants allotted for professional development for this purpose, while self-paying teachers have access to an even more subsidized rate.
Sessions will include inspiration and guidance from Rabbi M. M. Gluckowsky, Mrs. Shterna Ginsberg, Mrs. Sara Blau and Mrs. Sara Morozow, tools and techniques from Mrs. Nechamy Segal, Rabbi Yaakov Chaiton, Mrs. Devora Krasnianski and Mrs. Dina Gorkin, mental health insight from Dr. Debbi Ackerman and Dr. Oshra Cohen, and panel discussions on topics such as the Shlichus of a General Studies and Building a Classroom Community. These and many other sessions will be offered in five parallel tracks to choose from throughout the two days, as well as special sessions to nurture teachers in mind, body and soul – including energizing and interactive “Spa Parties” with Sheina Greenberg of Eucalyptus Spa.
“Teachers have worked really, really hard, especially in the past two years,” says MEF Educational Director Mrs. Chanah Rose, referring to all the adjustments teachers had to make during Covid, as well as the annual Kinus being moved online last year. “We’re so excited to be able to come back together in person this year, Baruch Hashem, and we just want teachers to leave feeling amazing – rested, refreshed, and appreciated before the new school year.” For those who still can’t travel, there will be an online track as well.
Mrs. Chanie Geisinsky is principal of Silverstein Hebrew Academy in Great Neck, NY. A member of the Kinus planning committee as well, she is encouraging her teachers to come. “This is truly a highlight of the year for every school leader and teacher,” she says. Another committee member, Mrs. Malkie Gurkow of the Shluchim Online School, says, “The camaraderie with other Mechanchos, and the education I get at the Kinus, make me a more inspired and better Mechaneches for the whole upcoming year.”
With the Kinus just a few short weeks away, registration closes on Wednesday, July 7 – כ”ז תמוז. With single and double rooms available, full service babysitting for babies up to twenty four months, multiple shifts for bussing to and from Crown Heights, and even transportation upstate after the Kinus, participants have plenty of options to choose from – many of them on a first come, first serve basis. Any educator connected to Chabad Chinuch is welcome to join. Just contact [email protected] with any questions, or view more details and sign up today at www.chinuchconvention.org.
