Montreal Mashpia Shares Chinuch Secret at Mechanchim Event

Nearly 100 mechanchim gathered for hours in a Crown Heights sukkah to be inspired at Igud Hamelamdim’s annual Simchas Bais Hashoeiva farbrengen.

The yearly Chol Hamoed Sukkos tradition draws mechanchim from across the Tri-State area to a vibrant, communal farbrengen with a respected mashpia. Organized by the Lubavitch Chinuch Organization Igud Hamelamdim, the event offers mechanchim both encouragement and camaraderie.

This year’s farbrengen featured R’ Itche Meir Gurary, the esteemed mashpia of Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim in Montreal, Canada, for over 60 years. Set around beautifully arranged tables laden with festive foods, the evening had a joyful energy as mechanchim—teachers and menahalim from various communities—came together in the spirit of unity and dedication to their work.

Rabbi Gurary captivated his audience with wisdom drawn from his decades of experience, sharing stories and insights on chinuch. Reflecting on a foundational lesson from early in his career, he emphasized the importance of meticulousness in halacha, ensuring that every teaching finds practical expression. 

Rabbi Gurary shared his eagerness to participate in this event, attributing it to the powerful message of Simchas Bais Hashoeiva: “Misham shoavim Ruach Hakodesh.” —drawing forth a holy sensitivity and instinct. He explained that the essence of true chinuch lies in developing a sensitivity to Yiddishkeit, Torah, and mitzvos, which encourages students to feel responsible and engaged, like picking up a fallen sefer right away instead of leaving it for someone else.

Rabbi Gurary’s profound ideas intertwined with stories kept the crowd engaged until midnight. Among many messages, he encouraged mechanchim to highlight the privilege and joy of doing a mitzvah, of learning Torah, and of davening—a practice he had received guidance on from the Rebbe in his own youth.

Rabbi Avrohom Bluming, executive director of Igud Hamelamdim, described the impact of this year’s gathering. “It was special to hear Reb Itche Meir’s powerful words, deeply resonating with everyone there. Even after he left, the mechanchim stayed, reflecting on his messages. Though we host various courses and seminars, nothing empowers our mechanchim like an authentic chassidishe farbrengen.”

For more on Igud Hamelamdim’s work or to support future initiatives, visit IgudHamelamdim.org.