30 Chabad Principals Spend 2 Days in Florida for Leadership Retreat

30 Chabad school leaders spent 2 days in Coral Springs, Florida, for the Women’s Chabad School Leadership Retreat of Menachem Education Foundation (MEF). It was informative, supportive and relaxing, one principal says about the workshops and accommodations. Full Story, Photos

March 3, 2022 – 30 Adar I 5782

By COLlive reporter

30 Chabad school leaders from across the US and Canada gathered at the Women’s Chabad School Leadership Retreat of the Menachem Education Foundation’s (MEF). Held in Florida, they enjoyed beautiful accommodations, gourmet meals and meaningful workshops, geared towards building schools that can reach the whole child.

The retreat took place on Sunday-Monday, 19-20 Adar I, February 20-21, 2022 and was hosted by Rabbi Yossie and Rivka Denberg and Rabbi Shloime and Margie Denburg in Coral Springs. The principals had a chance to view the innovative Chinuch taking place at Lubavitch Hebrew Academy and Rohr Bais Chaya Academy High School.

“Huge shoutout to MEF for arranging this event,” shared Mrs. Chanie Pinson, Principal of Bais Chaya Mushka, Los Angeles, California. “It was informative and supportive in a comfortable and relaxed setting. I learned so much, and am coming home with ideas and inspiration.”

On the first day, sessions consisted of comprehensive mental health and crisis intervention workshops, led by Mrs. Dena Gorkin CPP and Director of Bnos Chomesh Academy High School in Crown Heights, and Mrs. Gitty Francis LMSW, and Shlucha to Houston, Texas. The four-part workshop trained principals to identify signs and symptoms of a mental health issue, build a crisis protocol for their school, and handle crisis aftermath.

A meaningful dinner program was hosted by Dr. Sandra Lilienthal Ed.D, on her picturesque property, the perfect setting for the warm and collaborative atmosphere. Caterer Shaul Silverstein went above and beyond to provide a luxurious dining experience to the dedicated principals, who took time out of their busy schedules to learn the latest in Chinuch.

Menachem Education Foundation’s Executive Director Rabbi Zalman Shneur presented an award to Mrs. Gloria Kaylee, a supporter of Chinuch and dear friend of MEF. Dr. Lilienthal addressed the principals in a talk entitled “Igniting Neshamos,” which led to a beautiful farbrengen.

The second day featured interactive programs to practically implement in the classroom. Mrs. Henny Bartfield led “The Heart of C.H.I.N.U.C.H,” a social-emotional learning workshop for school leaders, showcasing a new MEF curriculum currently in its pilot phase. Later in the afternoon, the principals learned about “Individualized Instruction to Reach Every Child” with Mrs. Rivka Denburg, conference hostess and head of school.

The program highlight took place when principals had the opportunity to tour and observe classes in Lubavitch Hebrew Academy of Margate, and Rohr Bais Chaya Academy High School. The retreat concluded with “U’vechein” roundtable discussions for Menahelos to collaborate with program facilitators in order to bring the ideas and tools that they learned back to their schools.

One of the most encouraging messages to the Chabad community is that our principals take an active stance in staying up to date in learning how to meet the current needs of students.

“Getting together with other principals was a great pleasure and beneficial to me,” shared Mrs. Tamara Katzman, Assistant Principal at Bais Rivkah High School in Crown Heights. “I feel that collaboration is empowering and we all have ideas to share. I came home invigorated and ready to work on implementing new ideas.