Hundreds of roshei yeshiva and mechanchim gathered at Binyanei HaUma for a major conference focused on strengthening chinuch, where a revealing practice by one of the leading roshei yeshiva—keeping a personal list of every talmid—captured the attention of participants and stirred strong emotion.
The annual Knessiah HaGedolah LeChinuch, organized by Lev Shomea, drew large crowds from across the Torah world for a full day of analysis, guidance, and practical tools for dealing with today’s educational challenges. From early afternoon on Thursday, 29 Nissan, the venue was already filled with mechanchim eager to deepen their understanding and sharpen their approach during what was described as a critical period for Klal Yisroel.
A powerful sight unfolded as participants sat with pen in hand, carefully recording each insight shared by gedolei Torah, all driven by a singular goal—to better understand how to guide every bochur to his proper place in the world of Torah.
The program opened with remarks by Rav Eliav Miller, chairman of Lev Shomea and head of the Ohr Elchonon preparatory program. He spoke emotionally about the siyata diShmaya that made the gathering possible, invoking the teaching that “any assembly held for the sake of Heaven will endure.”
Rav Miller elaborated on the turbulent times facing the current generation, describing it as a period of rapid change. He addressed the pressures confronting bnei yeshiva in Eretz Yisroel, particularly from the legal system, and explained that the purpose of the conference was to equip mechanchim with tools to help talmidim struggling with confusion brought on by media influences and the challenges of modern technology.
He also paid tribute to the late Rav Aviezer Shapiro, zt”l, longtime mashgiach of Yeshivas Kol Torah L’tzeirim, who had been a consistent participant in these conferences for more than two decades and placed great importance on continuously studying the methods of chinuch.
The first speaker was Rav Aharon Levy, a prominent lecturer in the world of kiruv, who outlined effective strategies for communicating with students in a way that resonates.
A key theme throughout his talk was the importance of looking beneath the surface of a student’s behavior. He explained that what may appear as a lack of derech eretz can often be an expression of deeper struggles, and it is the responsibility of the mechanech to identify and address the root cause.
A wave of emotion swept through the hall with the arrival of the mashgiach, Rav Dan Segal, who responded to questions on chinuch and emphasized the need for genuine love toward talmidim, along with the importance of setting aside time for personal conversations with each individual.
Throughout the event, complex and pressing questions from within the yeshiva world were presented to leading roshei yeshiva, who offered thoughtful and measured responses.
Rav Shraga Steinman, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivos Orchos Torah and a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, opened with words of chizuk, stating that the challenges and distractions of the generation are intended to strengthen Torah learning under pressure.
He also referenced teachings of his father, the author of Ayeles HaShachar, who stressed the obligation to show interest in every talmid—even those who appear, at first glance, to be managing well.
Rav Dovid Cohen, rosh yeshiva of Chevron and a member of the Moetzes, delivered one of the most striking moments of the gathering. He revealed that despite his many responsibilities, he maintains “a personal list of all his talmidim and reviews it regularly to ensure that no one is overlooked and that each receives individual attention.” He stressed that rabbeim must speak with their talmidim about the value of Torah and instill the recognition that all of our existence depends on it.
In response to questions, Rav Cohen highlighted the importance of ensuring that every talmid has a suitable framework and sense of fulfillment, warning that idleness can lead to boredom and spiritual decline. For certain students, he noted, yeshivos kibbutz can serve as a critical support system.
Rav Chaim Peretz Berman, one of the roshei yeshiva of Ponovezh, addressed the range of talents among talmidim and described hasmadah as a greater asset than natural brilliance, since it is something that can be developed. He noted that gedolei Yisroel achieved greatness through persistence and dedication, and that anyone who remains committed to a clear goal will succeed.
Responding to a question about how much time a rebbi should dedicate to his talmidim, Rav Berman cited a teaching from the Steipler Gaon regarding the Pri Megadim, who avoided giving advice in order to complete his seforim. In contrast, the Chozeh of Lublin chose to forgo writing a sefer in order to help people, demonstrating that each individual must carefully weigh how to balance personal growth with responsibilities to others.
A central portion of the conference featured a panel discussion on the role of the yeshiva and practical approaches to assisting talmidim. Participants included Rav Eliyahu Kellerman, mashgiach at Ponovezh; Rav Chaim Paley, mashgiach at Chevron; Rav Yehuda Steinharter, a founder of Lev Shomea; Rav Mordechai Kravitz, one of the organization’s rabbanim; and Rav Yitzchak Miller, an educational psychologist and head of the psychological services department in Beit Shemesh.
During the panel, participants analyzed complex real-life cases that had been brought to Lev Shomea’s hotline. They discussed contemporary challenges, the responsibilities of mashgichim, when they should intervene directly, and when cases should be referred to professionals. They also shared methods for identifying the underlying causes of a talmid’s struggles and recognizing early signs of withdrawal.
At the conclusion of the panel, Rav Kellerman quoted teachings of Rav Wolbe on the critical importance of personal conversations between mashgichim and talmidim, noting that such interactions can have a greater impact than formal shmuessen. Rav Paly emphasized that when a talmid approaches a staff member, it often comes after significant internal struggle, and turning him away—even for valid reasons—can discourage him from ever seeking help again.
Yerushalayim Deputy Mayor Eliezer Rauchberger addressed the gathering briefly, expressing appreciation for the work of Lev Shomea and recalling how the author of the Ayeles HaShachar would urge rabbeim to daven regularly for their talmidim.
MK Uri Maklev also offered remarks, praising the organization’s ongoing efforts to respond to the needs of the generation and commending mechanchim who attend year after year to continue growing in their role.
As part of the conference, attendees received a document titled “Asarah Mi Yodea,” outlining key guiding questions mechanchim should ask themselves about each talmid. These included inquiries into a student’s background, his relationship with his parents, and even practical considerations such as how long it has been since he purchased clothing—ensuring that no aspect of a talmid’s life goes unnoticed.
The conference was moderated by Rav Yeshaya Greenspan of Kehillas Nichsefa in Bnei Brak. At its conclusion, several practical resolutions were announced, including that every rebbi should carry a list of his talmidim and make a point of speaking with each one personally at least once a month, and that hashkafah and mussar should be incorporated into general shiurim to strengthen the students’ emunah.
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