Igud Hamelamdim Hosts Ninth Annual Yud Shvat Chinuch Farbrengen in Crown Heights
Close to sixty devoted mechanchim gathered in Crown Heights for Igud Hamelamdim’s Ninth Annual Yud Shvat Chinuch Farbrengen, braving the winter cold to take part in an evening of inspiration, connection, and chizuk. Held in a warm simcha hall setting, the farbrengen has become a place where educators truly feel at home and a deep sense of belonging.
For many melamdim, this annual gathering around Yud Shvat is a cherished highlight of the year. Several months into the school year, mechanchim come together to farbreng, recharge, and draw strength from one another. Educators from Crown Heights, guests from abroad, and many who joined online were united in achdus and shared purpose.
The featured speaker was Kfar Chabad Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Moshe Wolberg, widely regarded as one of the most impactful chinuch figures of our time. Rabbi Wolberg’s Torah is not only taught but lived, delivered with authenticity, depth, and heartfelt connection. Many in attendance were once his talmidim, having learned under him in yeshivos across the world—adding a powerful personal dimension to the evening.
Centering on this year’s Basi L’Gani, Rabbi Wolberg spoke about Ohr Chozer—the inner depth and sincerity of a person’s own avodah. A melamed’s private effort and inner truth, he explained, inevitably reach his talmidim. Chinuch, he emphasized, is shaped not primarily by techniques, but by who the teacher is.
Rabbi Avrohom Bluming, Director of Igud Hamelamdim, shared that the goal of these farbrengens is to uplift mechanchim and give them renewed strength for their holy work. “When we uplift teachers,” he said, “their talmidim are uplifted as well.”
The impact of the farbrengen was felt far beyond the walls of the simcha hall. As one melamed shared, “Just knowing that there is a whole farbrengen set up for me gives me a tremendous boost—even in years when I can’t make it.”
Mechanchim left feeling warmed, encouraged, and strengthened, carrying the inspiration of Yud Shvat back into their classrooms and through the long winter months
