Men’s Chabad School Leaders Gather for Annual Retreat

Principals from over 35 Chabad schools across North and South America gathered on March 2-3, 2025 for the annual Chabad School Leadership Retreat. Organized by the Menachem Education Foundation (MEF) and hosted at Yeshiva Gedolah of Greater Miami, the event provided school leaders with opportunities for professional development, networking, and collaboration to strengthen Chabad education.

This year’s theme, “Understanding Our Why – מטרת החינוך הפרטי והכללי”, focused on refining the mission of Chabad Chinuch and empowering school leaders with clarity and vision. “This retreat is about sharpening leadership skills, reconnecting with our purpose, and exchanging ideas to elevate our schools,” said Rabbi Zalman Shneur, Executive Director of MEF.

Workshops and Discussions

The retreat began with a welcoming brunch, where Rabbi Yossi Zavdi (LEC, Miami) shared words of encouragement. Rabbi Noach Kosofsky (Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy, MA) set the tone by reading a letter from the Rebbe.

The event featured key sessions, including:

• Transformational Leadership – Rabbi Mendy Greenbaum (Cheder Menachem LA) led a two-part workshop on shifting from transactional leadership to inspiring long-term impact.
• Recognizing Your Strengths – Rabbi Eliyahu Stern (Yeshivas Orchos Chaim, NJ) guided principals in identifying and utilizing their leadership talents.
• Specialized Tracks – Sessions covered practical topics such as school management strategies and fostering a Moshiach-centered education model.

Leadership Banquet & Key Insights

The Leadership Banquet was a highlight of the retreat, featuring:

• A Dvar Torah by Rabbi Shea Hecht (Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy), who shared never-before-seen letters from the Rebbe on the responsibilities of running a Moisad.
• A panel discussion with Rabbi Benjy Korf (Dean of LEC), moderated by Rabbi Levi Kaplan, on funding, sustainability, and strengthening Chabad education.

Day Two: School Visits & Future-Focused Learning

The second day included:

• A visit to Lubavitch Educational Center (LEC) for discussions with experienced teachers and principals.
• A school security session led by Zalman Myer-Smith, a top expert in community security, providing practical strategies for keeping schools safe.
• A workshop on artificial intelligence in education, where Mr. Lev Stark (Katz Hillel Day School) introduced seven innovative ways AI can enhance school operations.
• A closing session with Rabbi Chaim Moss (Yeshivas Lubavitch Tiferes Yisroel, Beit Shemesh) and Rabbi Mendel Shemtov (EOS Implementer, NY), helping participants define a clear educational vision and align it with daily decision-making.

Rabbi Ari Wilschanski (Cheder Lubavitch Morristown) reflected, “The sessions were both inspiring and practical. Connecting with fellow Menahalim was especially valuable, giving me new ideas to implement in my Cheder.”

Looking Ahead

MEF expressed gratitude to Rabbi Yossi Zavdi (LEC) and on-site director Mordechai Rubenstein for their contributions to the retreat’s success.

With renewed energy and fresh insights, Chabad school leaders returned home, ready to enhance their schools and continue their vital work in Chabad Chinuch.