Close to 70 mechanchim from Chabad Mesivtos and Yeshivos Gedolos gathered in Elmont Jewish Center in Queens, NY, for the third Annual Kinus of Hanholos Hayeshivos.
For two days, they came to discuss and listen, learn, present, confer, consider and make collective decisions about the wide array of issues that bochurim face.
The kinus was organized by Igud Mesivtas V’Yeshivos Lubavitch, a division of the Merkos Chinuch Office directed by Rabbi Mendel Itzinger.
It follows a number of successful programs during its now second year, most notable among them is the V’Hogiso program which helped 300 talmidim succeed in a variety of topics.
A special emphasis was placed on making Gemora practical for bochurim, bringing it all into halacha, this session was presented by renowned Morristown Magid Shiur Rabbi Aharon Dovid Gancz.
They also networked, presented and critiqued each other’s ideas in sessions led by Rabbi Levi Eisenberg, and Rabbi Chananya Hoffinger.
Mashpi’im gathered for an intense session with renowned lecturer Rabbi Shais Taub and Oholei Torah Mashpia Rabbi Nachman Yosef Twerski to discuss the best way to help our Bochurim.
At the same time, menahalim met for many hours to discuss various universal concerns, exchange ideas and decided on a number of cooperative programs for the coming year.
During dinner, Tehillim was recited by Rabbi Gancz and Rabbi Shloma Kagan for the Refua Sheleima of fellow Magid Shiur, Aron Ben Chana.
“Today’s challenges are vast, and we often get put off from improving because we feel that we need to totally change the system, or we need millions of dollars,” Rabbi Itzinger related.
“But the truth is, that the most important thing is action. Not every big problem needs a big solution, in fact often times small things can bring big improvement, the most important thing is that collectively we ‘Do’.
“Sometimes something looks big and unrealistic, but when we do the first few steps, things begin to fall into place. Other times, a small idea can go a long way to improving a challenge.
“This is our goal, to create the venue where collectively we can pool our talents and recourses working practically to achieve much positive change”.
An interactive presentation by Rabbi Shimon Hellinger, Menahel of the Mesivta in Kingston, portrayed various Horaos of the Rebbe Rashab at the onset of Tomchei Temimim.
A highlight of the Kinus was undoubtedly the heartfelt and at times emotional address by Vice Chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, who in his masterful way, encouraged the Yeshivos to ensure they have the mindset to help every Bochur become a Chossid.
On Wednesday, Rabbi Dr. Shloma Schuk made a series of presentations on ensuring that Yeshiva is not only about intellectual learning, and how to ensure that that Yeshiva’s message is imparted for life and as a way of life.
I would love hear what R’ Shais Taub (,or any of the speakers) said….
good to see someone is discussing the many issues. thank you. hope to see the results.