Theme and Vaad Announced: Kinus HaMechanchim Marks 25 Years with a United Chinuch Mission

This summer marks a special milestone: the 25th annual Kinus HaMechanchim, a gathering that has become a cornerstone of strength and inspiration for educators worldwide. For a quarter of a century, the Kinus has given mechanchim a time to recharge, reconnect, and rededicate themselves to their unique Shlichus. And this year, it’s going even deeper.

 The newly announced theme, ברוּחַ יִשְׂרָאֵל סַבָּא – Focused Chinuch; Guided by Our Roots The theme is rooted in the founding words of the Frierdiker Rebbe when establishing Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch in 5702: “לִדְאֹג לְחִינוּךְ בְּנֵי וּבְנוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּרוּחַ יִשְׂרָאֵל סַבָּא” 

This year’s Kinus is about pausing to gain clarity and a renewed chayus in the Chinuch they are giving. It’s an opportunity for them to infuse their shlichus with the foundational, timeless values of the Rebbeim. The sessions will be practical and hands-on, focused on the growth of the mechanech, and offering a toolbox of approaches to reach talmidim, emotionally and academically, all rooted in the Rebbeim’s approach and the essence of true Chassidishe Chinuch.

“Rabbi Chodakov asked me to arrange a summer Kinus back in 5736,” shared Rabbi Nochem Kaplan, Director of the Chinuch Office. “I arranged the first one in Worcester, followed by another in New Haven. The Rebbe expressed satisfaction that it took place and encouraged continuing this important initiative. In תש״ס, we restarted the Kinus, and now we’re proud to be celebrating 25 consecutive years.”This Kinus will be comprehensive, addressing all angles of Chinuch, from classroom teachers to school leaders. A dedicated Leadership Track will provide support and growth opportunities for menahalim, teachers, and Chinuch leaders. The program is designed to approach Chinuch on all levels, offering meaningful guidance and support to everyone involved in Chinuch.

“A mechanech today is navigating challenges that simply didn’t exist a generation ago. But the answer hasn’t changed," said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302. “The Rebbe was clear: real chinuch begins with yiras shamayim, builds through midos tovos, and must lead to action. It’s not just about information, it’s about shaping people who live what they learn.”

This year’s Kinus will take place in Stamford, Connecticut, on Wednesday and Thursday, August 13–14 / י״ט–כ׳ מנחם אב, with mechanchim gathering for two full days of connection, growth, and inspiration.

“The theme, ‘Focused Chinuch: Guided by Our Roots,’ speaks to the essence of Chinuch,” said Rabbi Zalman Lowenthal, Assistant Director of the Chinuch Office. “It’s about understanding the Rebbeim’s approach and applying it in the Chinuch of today’s children.”

The Vaad Hapoel, a group of experienced mechanchim helping guide the Kinus program, has also been confirmed. The members are:

Rabbi Ari Wilshansky 

Rabbi Yosef Aron 

Rabbi Mendel Moscowitz 

Rabbi Chanoch Hecht 

Rabbi Menachem Lifshitz 

Rabbi Levi Rosenfeld 

Rabbi Manis Frankel 

Rabbi Yossi Chodakov 

Rabbi Mendel Scharf 

Rabbi Moishe Lieblach 

Rabbi Levi Tzukernik 

Rabbi Sender Lustig 

Rabbi Eli Smith - Miami 

Rabbi Levi Zaltzman 

Rabbi Chaim Aron Chazan 

Rabbi Yosef Eizkowitz

Registration opens soon, and a significant early bird discount will be available for the first 150 mechanchim to sign up until July 1st. Look out for registration opening.