In a heartwarming display of collaboration and dedication, the Chabad School Leadership for Menahelim recently hosted a transformative retreat in Cooper City, Florida. This event brought together 55 school leaders from boys’ schools across South Africa, Argentina, the USA, and Canada, all eager to forge lasting connections with their students. Organized by the Menachem Education Foundation (MEF), the retreat ran from February 22 to 23, and was held at the scenic Agam Resort.
The opening of the retreat was marked by a warm welcome from Rabbi Shneur Wilhem, who set the tone at a networking brunch. Participants were then treated to a five-hour leadership session led by Rabbi Shimon Russell, who discussed the challenges faced by the Yeshiva system and underscored the importance of building strong relationships with students.
Insights and Inspiration
The retreat also featured the Chinuch Banquet, which honored the dedication of the Menahelim. Rabbi Pinny Andrusier spoke about the founding of the TAG Yeshiva and emphasized the need to accept more students into the program. Rabbi Amram Farkash delivered a poignant speech on the theme of ונפשו קשורה בנפשו, providing practical tips for nurturing robust relationships with students.
Following the banquet, attendees participated in a fireside farbrengen with Rabbi Enan Francis, who shared insights on the challenges of leadership. Day two was packed with workshops and further networking opportunities, beginning with an inspiring Shiur from Rabbi Levi Kaplan. Rabbi Yossi Popack also contributed by discussing the fundamentals of connection in schools, illustrated by real-world examples.
Participants then visited the David Posnack Jewish Day School to learn about fostering a family-like school culture. Dr. Gill Perl concluded the program with a presentation on building school culture, and attendees shared insights and ideas they planned to implement back at their own schools. A Pan Kloli was signed to report the success of the retreat to the Rebbe and seek blessings for the future.
Continued Commitment to Education
The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the retreat’s profound impact on their perspectives and schools. The Menachem Education Foundation is already planning more programs and events for educators, including a teacher training program post-Pesach and the Kinus Mechanchos Chabad in the summer.
In a similar vein, another annual Chabad Men’s Leadership Retreat took place in Coral Springs, Florida, on March 3 and 4, 2023. This event welcomed 52 principals from over 30 schools across the U.S., aiming to elevate Chabad Chinuch standards through collaboration among educational leaders. Rabbi Zalman Shneur, Executive Director of MEF, emphasized the importance of empowering principals to transform their communities. The program featured various speakers, including Rabbi Aaron Kotler and Rabbi Boruch Hertz, who focused on building chinuch-centric communities and defining the mission of Chabad education.
As the Chabad community continues to evolve, these retreats serve as vital platforms for leaders to share ideas, tackle challenges, and inspire one another in their shared mission. For more information on the leadership retreats and upcoming events, you can visit the Menachem Education Foundation or check out the details at Chabad MEF.
As we look to the future, the commitment to nurturing strong educational practices remains unwavering, ensuring that the next generation of students receive the support and guidance they need to thrive.