The 26th International Kinus HaMechanchim opened Tuesday with mechanchim from 74 cities worldwide visiting the Ohel to seek strength and inspiration for their educational work.
Following Shacharis at 770, the group attended a preparatory Chassidus class led by Rabbi Yisroel Noach Lipskier. Mechanchim then wrote personal requests, and Rabbi Chanoch Hecht read the Pan Kloli on behalf of all participants and educators globally.
At the Ohel, the mechanchim acknowledged that their profession carries profound responsibility for shaping the minds, hearts and futures of the coming generation. The Pan Kloli conveyed their collective aspirations, requesting "the Rebbe's brachos for hatzlacha in their shlichus, for strength and clarity in their work, and for abundant bracha בגשמיות וברוחניות for the mechanchim, their families, their talmidim and the mosdos they serve."
The group then traveled to Stamford for two days of learning, discussion and connection, carrying forward the blessings and sense of mission from the Ohel visit.
This year's Kinus emphasizes focusing on the core purpose of education - raising פרומע, ערליכע, ווארימע, חסידישע אידן. Opening at 770 and the Ohel underscored that message, reconnecting participants to the fundamental purpose of chinuch and each educator's role in shaping the next generation.