On Chof Cheshvan, nearly a dozen Crown Heights principals gathered at Darchei Menachem in the spirit of Hakhel to support each other in their roles as educational leaders in the community.
Co-chaired by Rabbi Hershel Lustig of Oholei Torah and Rabbi Yosef Simpson of United Lubavitcher Yeshiva, the event was facilitated by the Menachem Education Foundation in a unique initiative to unite educators and celebrate their vital role in the community.
In his opening remarks, Rabbi Simpson, who facilitated the evening, highlighted the tremendous power and responsibility of menahelim as the “trend-setters” and “temperature-setters” for their own school and for the collective community. He discussed how fitting it was that the gathering of mechanchim took place on the birthday of the Rebbe Rashab, since the Rebbe Rashab was the founder of Tomchei HaTmimim, a revolutionary school system whose legacy reaches Chabad’s largest schools today.
The entire concept of the mitzvah of Hakhel is for Yidden to hear from the Melech and become inspired for the years to come to strengthen their commitment to Torah and mitzvos. The Rebbe encouraged the continuation of this practice, and this year especially has seen many group-specific hakhel gatherings that allow for a focused agenda and “rallying cry.”
This is especially applicable to Mechanchim, who, by nature of their work, are “Melachim” to their students. Needless to say, a focused gathering, specifically dedicated to inspiring and uplifting Mechanchim has immeasurable value.
“Mechanchim take a front and center position in the task of guiding and inspiring the next generation,” said Rabbi Goldstein, a participant at the event. “Certainly, the more inspired and committed a Mechanech is, the more inspired and committed his students will be.”
Throughout the evening the discussion focused on the need to give the proper respect and recognition to those in Chinuch. The Menachem Education Foundation has taken this task to heart and is currently working on new initiatives that will support similar opportunities for teachers and raise community awareness about the importance of Chinuch programs that provide critical resources for teachers and schools, thereby directly impacting students in the classrooms.
they say “make chinuch your shlichus” and they mean it. Mechanchim have such an important shlichus with the future of Klal Yisroel. Finally they can get the recognition they deserve.
only when its made available. only uly of ocean parkway is doing that. All other schools wont make room for all children.
Education matters!
This is the change that will enable chabad’s future to go all the way. Yasher Koach to MEF for facilitating and lets see more hakhel gatherings happen, both for male educators and girls educators.
The first priority needs to be ensuring the safety of our children and taking abuse issues seriously. All the great education in the world can never repair the damage done by abusers. #prioritze
The petty behavior between the various girls schools is embarrassing (e.g. who gets invited to High School Shabbatons), especially in light of how well the boys schools work together.
As an example: The principals of one of the boys schools informed me that on many occasions his school will recommend to parents that a particular student may be better suited for one of the other schools.
A cut above the rest. Thank you.
It’s so inspiring to see everyone unite! May the trend continue in this hakhel year, taking us out of golus as Am Echad!! Surely this is giving the Rebbe nachas!
For treating Crown Heights educators as first class shluchim!!!
I hope this is an ongoing thing not just a one time event!
A genuine spirit of Collaboration and camaraderie among instead of competition takes ime to develo, and will be of immense benefit to our kids,
It’s impossible for one person to succeed in everything. when we gather each other’s strength, wisdom, experience and energy we can accomplish so much more.
A burden shared by others is an easier load to carry.
Thank you so much for doing this.
Lamplighter?