Top 8 Finalists Announced — Now It’s Your Turn to Vote

After a remarkable round of submissions from passionate, creative mechanchim around the world, the Chinuch Pitch has narrowed down to the top 8 finalists, and now it’s your turn to help decide the final 3.

Each pitch emerged from the classroom, shaped by the real challenges and opportunities that mechanchim encounter every day. These finalists were selected for their potential to drive real, measurable change in Yeshivos, classrooms, and curricula, blending vision, practical tools, hands-on experience, and a deep sense of responsibility for today’s Chinuch.

“The Rebbe emphasized that true Chinuch starts by understanding each child and what speaks to them. These Mechanchim are doing just that: offering tools that come straight from today’s classrooms,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of Merkos 302. “Opening this vote to the public sends a message: Chinuch is a shared responsibility, everyone has a part to play.”

Voting is now open to the public, and anyone who cares about the future of Chinuch is encouraged to get involved.

Voting ends: Sunday, ט”ז אב, August 10 at 4:00 PM (EST)

The top 3 winners will present their final pitch live at the Kinus Hamechanchim next week. One grand prize winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize, and the Chinuch Office will invest $18,000 to help bring their idea to life, sponsored by Merkos 302.

“We’re eager to see which ideas resonate most with the community, and even more excited about the impact these ideas will have on the future of Chinuch,” said Rabbi Zalmy Loewenthal of the Chinuch Office. 

The Great Chinuch Pitch Finalists Are:

Rabbi Naftali Salzman, Monsey, NY
Rabbi Shmuel Graj, Toronto, ON
Rabbi Levi Lipinski, Philadelphia, PA
Rabbi Dovber Bryski, Flatbush, NY
Rabbi Boruch Sholom Ajzenszmidt, Phoenix, AZ
Rabbi Dovid Rahmani, Atlanta, GA
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Raitport, Kingston, PA
Rabbi Menachem Cadaner, New Haven, CT

Vote now and help shape tomorrow’s Chinuch.
Click here to vote

Final winners will be announced next week at the Kinus Hamechanchim. Stay tuned!