The closing session of the Kinus HaMechanchim features the Chinuch Pitch Finale, where finalists present innovative ideas for improving Jewish education. The winner will receive an $18,000 grant to implement their concept.
The competition began months earlier when education leaders submitted proposals answering a single question: What would you do to improve Chinuch with $18,000? A panel of judges evaluated submissions based on content, innovation, practicality, and identified need in the field, selecting ten finalists. The broader chinuch community then reviewed these pitches and voted, with public input combined with judges' assessments determining the final three.
The finalists competing today are:
Rabbi Yoel Vogel, presenting the Mechanchim Exchange Resource Drive, a centralized platform enabling educators to share and access quality classroom materials.
Rabbi Zalmy Kudan, representing The Jewish Classroom, a project to strengthen classroom instruction and provide practical tools for teachers.
Rabbi Shneur Zalman Phillips, presenting Real Life Lessons, an initiative connecting classroom learning to meaningful real-world experiences for students.
Rabbi Zash Itkin of Cheder Chabad Florida is moderating the session. The three finalists will present their ideas and describe the potential impact on education. Attendees voting in person will determine the $18,000 grant recipient.