At a lavish Hakhel Chinuch Farbrengen in Crown Heights hosted by Igud Hamelamdim, over 100 Mechanchim were uplifted by Los Angeles Mashpia Rabbi Mendy Schapiro.
By Malky Weinstock
In honor of Yud Shevat, over 100 mechanchim came together in camaraderie to re-energize their passion for chinuch with chassidish vibrancy, in the midst of the long winter. This farbrengen, among other conventions throughout the year, was arranged by the Lubavitch chinuch organization Igud Hamelamdim.
With this year being a Hakhel year, many more mechanchim visited Crown Heights for Yud Shvat, and the event was prepared accordingly. The Mechanchim gathered around festive tables in unity with the Hakhel spirit.
Guest speaker and veteran Mechanech Rabbi Mendy Schapiro, beloved Mashpia in Los Angeles, CA, inspired the evening.
Rabbi Shapiro enthralled the crowd with Chinuch anecdotes focusing on the Rebbe’s treasured secret for successful Chinuch. He shared many stories showcasing the importance of loving one’s students, which they will reciprocate in turn. He spoke about how the Rebbe exemplified this trait in his love for every single Jew, no matter their status or connection to Yiddishkeit.
Special musical accompaniment, playing both slow dveykus nigunim and fast-paced simcha ones, added an extra layer of warmth to the evening. Many mechanchim expressed how these farbrengens keep their hearts aflame for teaching their students throughout the year.
Director of Igud Hamelamdim, Rabbi Avrohom Bluming, says that the feedback he gets from mechanchim after these farbrengens is telling of its significance.
“Though we host extensive courses and seminars throughout the year on teaching techniques,” Rabbi Bluming shares, “nothing compares to the impact of a farbrengen. That’s where the mechanchim focus on their identity and mission as a chassidishe mechanech. They sit together with fellow Lubavitcher melamdim, to hear and discuss what chassidishe chinuch is meant to be.”
As Rabbi Dovid Zirkind, mechanech in ‘Hamesivta’ put it: “A Shliach attends Shluchim gatherings and feels a sense of belonging. As a mechanech, I feel that this is my place.”
Help us support our Mechanchim by partnering with Igud Hamelamdim. Visit IgudHamelamdim.org/donate to be a part of this important endeavor.
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