Largest Kinus Hamechanchim Yet Opens with Ohel Visit and Workshops Focusing on The Rebbe’s Chinuch Vision

by Yossi Weinstein

The International Kinus Hamechanchim began early Wednesday morning with Shacharis in 770, followed by buses heading to the Ohel. There, mechanchim from across the world gathered for a heartfelt Pan Kloli read by Rabbi Nochem Kaplan, director of the Chinuch Office, setting the tone for two days of inspiration and growth in their important shlichus.

“This Kinus is about strengthening and equipping mechanchim with tools to inspire and empower their students,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of Merkos 302. “Every session is designed to strengthen mechanchim in their holy work both in and beyond the classroom.”

After returning from the Ohel, participants were welcomed with lunch and opening remarks from Rabbi Zalman Loewenthal, associate director of the Chinuch Office. A letter from the Rebbe was then read aloud, followed by the introduction of this year’s Kinus theme by Rabbi Yisroel Deren, head shliach of Connecticut.

“It’s powerful to see mechanchim from across the U.S. and abroad clear their schedules to come together and share strategies in a time when true chinuch is more critical and relevant than ever,” said Rabbi Yosef Aron, menahel of United Lubavitcher Yeshiva Crown Heights.

The first major session, “The Rebbe’s Chinuch Approach: A Live Q&A,” featured Rabbis Mendel Blau, Mendel Yusevitch, Shmuly Avtzon, and Yossi Klyne, moderated by Rabbi Zash Itkin. The panel fielded live questions from participants, offering direct guidance on applying the Rebbe’s approach in today’s classroom.

Noteworthy sessions included:

“Seeing the Neshama in the Challenging Student,” with Rabbi Eli Krichevsky, focused on identifying the potential behind difficult behaviors and building deep student connections.

“Instilling Yiras Shamayim and Kabalos Ol,” led by Rabbi Bentzion Bluming, outlined methods for cultivating genuine awe and responsibility in today’s distracted classroom environment.

“Ah Geshmak in Iyun,” with Rabbi Zushe Winner, provided frameworks for making in-depth Torah study enjoyable and engaging for bochurim.

“From the Heart of a Mechanech to the Heart of His Talmid,” a joint session with Rabbi Moshe Pape, Rabbi Levi Belinow, and Rabbi Moshe Reinetz, presented real-world examples of building enduring teacher-student relationships.

As the first day closed with an evening of farbrenging and inspirational presentations, mechanchim are looking forward to tomorrow’s robust schedule of strategy, reflection, and renewed commitment to the Rebbe’s vision for chinuch.

Photo Credit: Sholem Srugo