The closing session of the International Kinus HaMechanchim brought the two-day gathering to a powerful personal conclusion as Rabbi Chaim Zaklos reflected on the far-reaching impact of a mechanech.

Drawing on the Hayom Yom of ט״ז אלול, Rabbi Zaklos emphasized that the true effect of chinuch is often far greater than what can be seen in the classroom. A lesson, an encouraging word, or a moment of sincere attention can remain with a child for decades and ultimately influence his family and community.

He also shared the Rebbe’s words to renowned author Herman Wouk regarding American youth: While they may resist being told what to do, they can be taught to do anything.

Rabbi Zaklos explained that the most effective way to influence a student is not only through what a mechanech says, but through the example he personally sets. When a teacher lives the values he is trying to impart, those values become real and attainable to the student.

Coming from a family blessed with many educators, beginning with his father Rabbi Hershel Zaklos, Rabbi Zaklos spoke about the influence that great mechanchim had on his own life.

He concluded his address by telling the assembled educators that he, and surely many others in the room, would not be where they are today without a teacher who believed in them, inspired them, and helped shape the people they eventually became.

What happened next brought his message vividly to life.

It had been 34 years since the summer of 1992, when Rabbi Zaklos was a young camper, and Rabbi Moshe Zavdi served as his learning counselor.

Rabbi Zavdi was one of his favorite teachers, and Rabbi Zaklos retained warm memories of the summer they spent learning together at camp in Kalkaska, Michigan. At the end of the summer, Rabbi Zavdi presented him with a treasured gift: a sefer containing teachings of the Rebbe, with a personal inscription and a small picture of the Rebbe inside.

Over the years, Rabbi Zaklos learned from the sefer countless times. Each time he opened it, he thought of the teacher who had given it to him. Yet despite the lasting impression Rabbi Zavdi had made, the two never crossed paths again – until the Kinus.

Following the closing session, Rabbi Zavdi approached Rabbi Zaklos. At first, they did not recognize one another, but Rabbi Zavdi remembered the name of the camper he had taught more than three decades earlier.

For a few moments, it felt as though they were once again seated around the picnic table in the woods of camp, where Rabbi Zavdi had shared inspirational teachings with his young students throughout that summer.

The sefer, together with its heartfelt Hebrew inscription, had remained with Rabbi Zaklos for 34 years. More importantly, so had the influence of the mechanech who gave it to him.

The unexpected reunion served as a fitting conclusion to the Kinus HaMechanchim. It demonstrated, in the most personal way, that a mechanech may never fully know the impact of a lesson taught, a gift given, or a child encouraged.

But decades later, that influence may still be shaping a life, and through that life, generations to come.

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