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Yom Iyun for our Teachers – Big Success

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — For the first time, over 500 Mechanchim and Mechanchos from each of our community schools, gathered to learn how to identify and help students in need.

World renowned psychologists, Dr. Norman Blumenthal, a Director of Chai Lifeline, and Dr. David Pelkowitz, Professor of Psychology & Education – Yeshiva University, were the guest speakers. Dr. Pelkowitz addressed the day’s topic of “Depression — Early Detection & Signs,” while Dr. Blumenthal focused on how and where to go for help, once a problem is detected.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

Rabbi Yossi Paltiel, Community Masphia, discussed the concept of seeking professional help in Torah and Chassidus and encouraged teachers to seek professional help when the need arises. Following the main speakers, teachers were divided into more personalized workshops based on age and gender of the students.

Sunday’s Yom Iyun was a joint effort of Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch, and Igud Menahalei Yeshivos. Thanks to Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky for the vision in bringing these organizations together toward the benefit of Anash children. Rabbi Beryl Frankel, of Merkos’ My ShliAch Program, chaired the event. Special thanks to Nefesh, Chai Lifeline, and the Rohr Family Foundation for their help in making this event a reality.

Recordings of the session will be available in the schools’ offices.

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12 Comments

  • M bas I

    It’s about time for the Yeshivos!If they had done that before, we wouldn’t have lost so many boys. A workshop is very good, but it has to be more often and the Rabbis have to follow.

  • Yossi

    I think its great that they are starting to have this sort of training.. Will the female teachers receive it to for the girls schools. Or are only some of the bochurim depressed and the Girls immune? equal training please..

  • happy to see action

    I think this was a great idea. I really hope it was beneficial and the teachers really learned something.

  • a teacher

    How about the teacchers taking a serious curse not just a one day Yom Iyun which will be forgotten shortly.

  • crownheightsteen

    its time we realize that our teens need help on their level and understanding in todays time

  • a concerned c.h. parent

    why wasnt the most important issue discussed?TOO MUCH KIDS IN A CLASSROOM! i am willing to wager 90% of the problems will be solved with smaller classrooms! sad and depression???? what rubbish!

  • Great Yom Iyun

    Great Yom Iyun.Very professional. And as Rabbi Lustig said…we should have many more such lectures.
    Sad realities of today’s youth and the challenges for the mechanchim/chos who care for them.
    More teachers should have been there.

  • happy teacher

    Amazing stuff – keep up the good work.
    i hope there are many more of these types of programs.
    and also for the parents!!!!!!

    thank you igud and merkos for a job well done

    ps to yossi – the woman were there

  • levi

    and lets not forget R’ kaplan who is behind all this. including the summer retreat etc…

  • mom

    all benefit from the yom iyun. the school, the teachers and the students.
    they should try to conduct them on a monthly basis.
    keep up the good work!

  • a mechanech

    As a mechanech, these programs are very important. The teachers are well aware of these issues and as Dr. Blumenthal said, it is the responsibility of the Hanhala to contact the parents and follow through to see to it that those who need professional intervention are helped promptly.
    For the teacher to be successful with the student and the parents he must maintain a positive relationship with them.