The Menachem Education Foundation (MEF) is currently running a new cohort of Kadima L’Chinuch, a dynamic and immersive teacher training program designed to equip aspiring mechanchim with the tools, confidence, and skills to succeed in the classroom. Over the course of two months, participants receive hands-on training and professional development in areas such as lesson planning, classroom management, and teaching standards. The program features sessions led by Rabbi Levke Kaplan, Rabbi Mendy Blau, Rabbi Yehuda Fenton, Rabbi Yakov Goldstein, Rabbi Zelly Silber, and Rabbi Yossi Simpson. In addition to core Chinuch training, participants hear from guest presenters on topics including Chassidishe Chinuch, mental health in education, and other foundational subjects for new melamdim.
The first session began with Rabbi Levke Kaplan welcoming the participants and highlighting the significance of their commitment. He spoke about the powerful decision each of them has made to become a mechanech and how this choice places them at the center of one of the most sacred missions in Yiddishkeit: ensuring that every Jewish child receives a strong, values-based Chinuch.
Rabbi Zalman Shneur, director and founder of MEF, followed by placing this commitment in historical context. Quoting the Baal Shem Tov, who upon joining the Chevra Kadisha prioritized ensuring every Jewish child had a teacher, and the Frierdiker Rebbe, who established teacher training programs in the early years of his leadership in America, Rabbi Shneur reminded participants that they are continuing a sacred tradition. As we mark 50 years since the Rebbe established Shnas Hachinuch, the mission remains clear: no community, no city, and no child should be left without a dedicated melamed or morah. He emphasized that this mission is not about an organization’s accomplishments, but about the individual commitment each participant is making to carry the Rebbe’s vision forward.
Rabbi Mendy Blau led the first training session with a deep and practical exploration of what defines a Chassidishe mechanech. He invited participants to reflect on their own values and vision, then guided them through the Rebbe’s unique and balanced approach to Chinuch illustrated with the metaphor of a dreidel that spins properly only when evenly weighted. He offered strategies and insights for remaining grounded and focused while striving to meet the Rebbe’s expectations in the classroom.
This program is sponsored in part through the generous support of Tzvi and Simmie Gellman, with heartfelt thanks for their unwavering dedication to the future of Chabad Chinuch.
Through Kadima L’Chinuch and Teach for Lubavitch, the Menachem Education Foundation is committed to ensuring that every child has a dedicated, well-prepared teacher in the classroom.
