Released Time Kickstarts with a Teachers Training Conference
The excitement and energy were palpable on Monday, Ches Elul, as Released Time teachers gathered for their annual Teachers’ Training Conference in Queens, NY. The day-long event featured returning teachers alongside newcomers, with all participants gaining valuable insights from carefully curated speakers and sessions.
The conference was hosted at the Anshe Shalom Chabad Center in Kew Gardens, Queens. Rabbi Mordechai Zev Hecht, director of the Chabad House and Beth Din of East Flatbush, warmly welcomed the bochurim, emphasizing the profound impact of teaching Torah, noting that even a single “drop” imparted to a child can ripple into a lifetime of growth.
Rabbi Sadya Engel, Released Time program director, shared the rich history and unique significance of Released Time in Chabad-Lubavitch, highlighting how deeply the Rebbe valued the program and the attention he devoted to it. Following him, Rabbi Shazak Zirkind, Director of the program, welcomed the teachers to the new school year, stressing the importance of each moment and week of teaching being infused with mesiras nefesh—selfless devotion to the mission of Jewish education.
Rabbi Levi Feldman, a world-renowned educator, delivered inspiring remarks, encouraging the bochurim to deeply internalize the meaning of education. He challenged participants to question old assumptions, break free from patterns of stagnation, and embrace innovative methods through practical demonstrations and test runs.
Rabbi Chaim Simpson, a former instructor, captivated the audience with his personal journey of growth: in just six years, he and his friends transformed their Released Time program at P.S. 195 from serving two children to reaching 65. His story illustrated how passion, creativity, and dedication can transform a program, and he encouraged each teacher to find their own unique approach to making a difference in their schools’ success.
After a break session designed for networking and forming school-based groups, Rabbi Levi Klein from the Central 770 Yeshivah Hanohala took the stage, stressing that Released Time is not merely an extracurricular activity, but a key element in a tomim’s life in 770.
Rabbi Yehoshua Shneur, Assistant Director of the Released Time office, provided a detailed step-by-step demonstration of how Released Time operates, equipping teachers with the practical knowledge and confidence to execute the program effectively throughout the year.
Throughout the day, participants enjoyed delicious catered meals by Hildisheim Catering, leaving everyone satisfied and delighted. “The thought and care for each session, meal, and snack throughout the day gave us every reason to focus and appreciate all the resources provided,” said Chaim Goldenberg, one of the participants. “I feel very confident moving forward for a successful year.”
The day was marked by engaging sessions, practical guidance, and inspirational speeches, leaving all attendees energized, resourceful, and prepared to approach the upcoming school year with strategy, enthusiasm, and commitment.
Released Time, the flagship program of NCFJE, aims to provide fun and meaningful Jewish education to children attending public schools in NYC. Since its inception, more than 300,000 children have participated in its programs, and tens of thousands have transferred to Jewish schools through its guidance and inspiration. The conference empowers new teachers to carry forward this rich and inspiring legacy, bringing Torah and Mitzahs to the next generation of Jewish youth.
The conference concluded with a banquet dinner and remarks from Rabbi Shimon Hecht of the NCFJE Executive Committee. He thanked all the bochurim for their dedication and devotion, blessing them with success in their work, and shared the good news that, Baruch Hashem, Rabbi Sholom Ber Hecht, longstanding Chairman of Released Time and NCFJE, is recovering well from his recent illness and, G-d willing, will return soon to address the bochurim in person.
“The conference was dedicated to the speedy recovery of Sholem Dovber Ben Chava” said Rabbi Yanky Hecht, the event coordinator, “everything gained should be a Zchus to his speedy recovery”.
The conference not only equipped the teachers for success but also fostered a sense of community, shared purpose, and dedication to the sacred task of educating the next generation.
