On a busy Sunday morning, school leaders left their offices, families, and Pesach task lists to convene for a unique gathering in Lubavitch Yeshiva’s simcha hall on Crown Street. This brunch gathered together nearly 100 school leaders, representing toddlers to twelfth grade, who shape Lubavitch Chinuch right here in Crown Heights, with a ripple effect felt worldwide.
The program and speakers highlighted their unique role, sharing Chizuk and inspiration from the Rebbe and from fellow Menahalim and Menahalos. With Rabbi Shua Lustig as MC, Rabbi Simpson unpacked a powerful letter of the Rebbe encouraging a Menahal to stay steadfast in his leadership role. Rabbi Braun of the Crown Heights Bais Din and a previous principal himself, emphasized the impact of Crown Heights Chinuch specifically on the entire Chabad community and the world at large – and it all starts with a principal’s own avoda. Rabbi Berel Junik, one of the event’s generous sponsors, offered a message of gratitude and encouragement on behalf of all Crown Heights parents to our tireless educational leaders, who, as he described, greeted his children on the steps outside school with love and attention each day.
A video presentation recalled the previous time that all Crown Heights school leaders convened, which was at the outbreak of Covid-19 five years ago. That meeting led immediately to the incredible collaborative effort behind Crown Heights Yeshiva, highlighting the collective power that Crown Heights schools working together can hold. Rabbi Zalman Shnuer thanked participants and sponsors, before attendees had the opportunity to network and share ideas, with many tables still engaged in fruitful conversation well after the official ending time. A raffle was drawn gifting Menahalim and Menahalos with pre-Pesach gifts from local businesses, sharing the Crown Height’s community’s hakaras hatov.
The brunch brought together 72 representatives from 13 schools, including Ateres Chaya Mushka, Beth Rivkah, Bnos Menachem, Darchai Menachem, United Lubavitcher Yeshiva, Tomchei Tmimim – Ocean Parkway, Ohr Menachem, Oholei Torah, Sparks High School, Chabad Girls Academy, Bnos Chomesh Academy, Beis Chaya Mushka – Brooklyn, NY, Gan Academy, and All My Children. The event was made possible by the dedication of the Host Committee, consisting of Mrs. Dena Gorkin, Mrs. Zlata Margolin, Mrs. Chanah Rose, Mrs. Rochie Sandhouse, Mrs. Aidle Sputz, and Mrs. Yedida Wolfe, along with Rabbi Shalom Goldstein, Rabbi Yossi Langsam, Rabbi Shua Lustig, and Rabbi Zalman Shneur.
The brunch was graciously sponsored by Beryl & Shani Junik, Tuvia & Hindy Greisman, Levi & Chayale Eckhaus, Dovi & Shani Narboni, and Yosef Yitzchok & Batsheva Popack. Their generosity ensured a warm and welcoming event for all attendees. A heartfelt thank you is also extended to our prize sponsors: Bellisimo, Borsalino, Elite Sterling, Matzah.biz, Elyon Tableware, FFH Events, Hair by Brachie, Hair by Rivka, Nechama’s, Post Mark It, Prestige, Primo, Raskins, Shloime & Alyson Feldman, Tablee, Totally Her, Troy Organic Cleaners, Tzfasmans, and Young Timers.
This brunch was more than just a gathering; it was a testament to the unwavering commitment of Crown Heights’ educators and school leaders. The warmth, gratitude, and inspiration shared at the event served as a reminder of the powerful role that Chinuch plays in shaping future generations. As the community looks ahead, the dedication of these educators ensures that the foundation of Torah learning grows ever stronger, increasing the impact of “Kan Tzivah Hashem Es Habracha.”
