Welcome to
The Lamplighter Foundation
News Stand & Blog
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The work of THE LAMPLIGHTER FOUNDATION is, by its very nature, a long-term investment. Much of what we do cannot be measured through immediate outcomes or captured in frequent headlines. Rather, it requires patience, perseverance, thoughtful planning, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Particularly within our school leadership and research initiatives, the process of developing meaningful content is both extensive and demanding. Producing a comprehensive research paper, professional article, or educational resource—especially on complex, sensitive, or innovative topics—often requires many months of dedicated effort. This process may include in-depth research, consultation, careful writing, repeated editing, fact-checking, refinement, translation into English, and thoughtful adaptation for a broader audience.
This is not the type of work that naturally lends itself to constant public reporting. Meaningful intellectual and educational development often takes place quietly, steadily, and behind the scenes.
At the same time, our local community division, serving individuals and families throughout the Greater Toronto Area, operates according to a deeply rooted principle of dignity, sensitivity, and confidentiality. We firmly believe that every individual deserves to be treated with the utmost respect and compassion. Protecting personal dignity is not merely a policy—it is a core value and moral responsibility.
At the same time, we recognize the importance of keeping our cherished friends, supporters, and broader community informed and connected to our ongoing work.
From time to time, we are privileged to complete meaningful projects, launch important initiatives, reach significant milestones, and witness encouraging progress in the many areas of our mission.
This section will therefore serve as a thoughtful platform through which we can share selected updates, meaningful developments, and highlights from our ongoing activities.
In addition, we will occasionally publish professional insights, educational perspectives, research findings, and thought-provoking ideas that we believe may inspire meaningful conversation and contribute to the broader fields of education, leadership, and community development.
In this sense, this section will serve not only as a “News & Updates” column, but also as a platform for reflection, learning, and meaningful dialogue.
We warmly welcome you to journey alongside us, and sincerely hope that you will find inspiration, insight, and value in the ideas and updates we share.
Thank you for being part of this meaningful journey.
Adar–Nissan 5’785
March–April 2025
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Marking the Beginning of Year 33
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As we begin our 33rd year, this is not merely a time for celebration. Rather, it is a time for reflection, restructuring, and renewed purpose.
The future is not shaped by celebration. It is shaped by thoughtful planning, honest evaluation, meaningful consultation, and a clear vision for what lies ahead.
Over the past several months, we engaged in deep reflection, extensive consultation, strategic evaluation, and careful planning as we reassessed our mission and charted the path forward. We challenged ourselves to identify where our efforts could make the greatest difference and how our resources could be utilized most effectively to strengthen educational leadership and community structures.
The result of this process is reflected in our new logo and our new website—visible expressions of a renewed vision, a refined mission, and a renewed commitment to creating meaningful and lasting impact.
This is more than a milestone. It is a new beginning, a fresh start, and an opportunity to build an even stronger foundation for the years ahead.
With gratitude for the past and determination for the future, we look forward to the next chapter of growth, impact, and service to the world.
Tamuz 5’785
July 2025
One of our strategic priorities has been to build strong, close, and meaningful relationships with internationally recognized educational professionals, respected community leaders, and prominent rabbis whose influence extends to tens of thousands of followers. Our vision is to engage these influential figures, share with them our mission, educational initiatives, and future plans, and explore opportunities for cooperation in advancing and strengthening the field of school leadership.
One of the first such journeys took place during the summer of 2025, when my wife and I traveled from Toronto to New Hampshire, USA, to meet the Grand Satmar Rebbe, Rabbi Aron Teitelbaum, who was spending the summer with his yeshiva and students.
We had the privilege of spending the entire Shabbos in his presence. On Friday night, the Rebbe warmly welcomed us and offered his heartfelt blessings. Throughout the weekend, he made us feel genuinely valued and at home, creating an uplifting and memorable experience.
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On Sunday morning, following Shacharis, I had the opportunity to present my six-volume leadership project for school principals to the Rebbe. He received the work warmly and offered his blessings for its continued success and its potential to benefit the world of educational leadership.
From my perspective, one of the most remarkable aspects of this visit was observing firsthand a leader who successfully combines two qualities that are often seen as opposites. On the one hand, the Satmar Rebbe is a strong and principled leader who is unafraid to stand apart from prevailing trends when he believes it is necessary. He demonstrates the courage to establish policies, build institutions, and guide his community according to his convictions, even when those decisions may not be universally popular. His leadership has had a profound and positive impact on the lives of countless individuals and families.
On the other hand, throughout the entire weekend, I witnessed a leader of extraordinary warmth and humility. Whether interacting with his Chassidim or with visitors, he remained approachable, grounded, and genuinely caring. He greeted children, young students, and adults with kindness, a warm smile, and sincere attention, making every individual feel respected and valued.
I left deeply impressed by both his leadership and his character. It was a privilege to observe such a unique combination of strength, conviction, humility, and compassion. My wife and I returned inspired, with a renewed appreciation for the qualities that define truly great leadership.
May Hashem grant the Satmar Rebbe continued health, strength, and many years of productive leadership, enabling him to continue benefiting Klal Yisrael and inspiring future generations.
Menachem Av 5’785
August 2025
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During the second half of the summer, we made a special trip from Toronto to New York to meet Rabbi Zalman Leib Teitelbaum, the Satmar Rebbe of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, who was spending the summer months with his students in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York.
I was privileged to have a private audience of twenty minutes with the Rebbe, during which I presented him with our six-volume leadership series for school principals and educational leaders. The Rebbe showed genuine interest in the project, carefully reviewed the volumes, asked thoughtful and substantive questions, and offered his warm blessings and encouragement for our work.
I was particularly impressed by his profound understanding of education, school leadership, and the challenges facing today's educational institutions. The meeting was both inspiring and memorable, reinforcing the importance of strong leadership in shaping future generations.
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May the Almighty grant him continued health, strength, and many years of productive leadership, and may he continue to inspire and guide his many followers for years to come.
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Tishrei 5’786
September-October 2025
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Over the past four years, we have had the privilege of working closely with Rabbi Kalman Oches of the Torah Emes Viewmount Congregation on a remarkable community initiative. Twice each year, before Passover and the High Holidays of Tishrei, Rabbi Oches organizes the distribution of food packages to more than 750 families throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
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Each family receives a substantial package containing chicken, meat, fruits, vegetables, wine, and many other essential holiday provisions, with an estimated value of approximately $700 per family. This extraordinary undertaking brings dignity, relief, and joy to hundreds of families, enabling them to celebrate the holidays with peace of mind and abundance.
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We were honored to assist Rabbi Oches in his fundraising efforts and to help coordinate participation among Chabad educational institutions, schools, and families throughout the GTA who benefit from this exceptional program.
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Being involved in such a meaningful project—one that directly impacts so many lives—has been both a privilege and a source of immense satisfaction.
Winter 5’786
Winter 2026
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During the winter of 2026, we published, in both Hebrew and English, one of the most powerful and thought-provoking articles addressing the fundamental challenges facing today's educational institutions and organizations. Entitled It's Time to Close All Schools and Yeshivas, the article presented a bold vision for educational renewal and transformation while ultimately offering a positive and hopeful path forward.
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A full copy of the article is enclosed and speaks for itself.
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The response was extraordinary. Educators, school leaders, and community members from diverse backgrounds reached out to express their appreciation and support. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and confirmed that the article had touched upon issues that many had been grappling with for years.
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One response, in particular, was especially moving. An educator with more than fifty years of experience shared the pain, frustration, and challenges he had witnessed throughout his decades in the field.
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He wrote: "Finally, someone has the courage to stand up, advocate for what is right, and articulate the truths that need to be heard—loud and clear."
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His words captured the sentiments of many others who felt that the article gave voice to concerns that had long remained unspoken and offered a constructive framework for meaningful change.
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Shevat 5’786
February 2026
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At midwinter, we made another journey to New York to meet with school principals and educational leaders, continuing our mission to strengthen educational leadership around the world.
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One of the most memorable moments of the trip was the extraordinary privilege of a private audience with the revered leader of the Skver movement in New Square, New York.
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Late that evening, the Rebbe graciously welcomed me into his room for a meeting. We spoke about the vision and purpose of my lifelong work in school leadership and educational development. During our conversation, I had the honor of presenting the Rebbe with the third edition of my six-volume Encyclopedia for School Principals, a project dedicated to strengthening educational excellence and inspiring future generations.
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The Rebbe listened with great interest and was visibly impressed by the scope and significance of the project. As a heartfelt expression of his encouragement, he opened his desk drawer, took out two one-hundred-dollar bills, and presented them as a customary symbolic contribution toward our holy work. More precious than the gift itself were the Rebbe's exceptionally warm blessings, encouraging us to continue this sacred mission with strength, success, and ever-growing impact for the benefit of Jewish education and generations to come.
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That meeting left a lasting impression upon me. It strengthened my resolve to continue this mission with renewed dedication, inspired by the Rebbe's confidence, generosity, and heartfelt blessings.
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Nissan 5’786
March-April 2026
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As Passover approached, despite it being the busiest time of the year, Rabbi Okon's annual Passover food distribution once again became a reality.
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Coordinating the participation of all Chabad-Lubavitch communities throughout the Greater Toronto Area, together with all Lubavitch educational institutions, was a tremendous undertaking requiring careful planning and dedication.
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Yet the need continues to grow, and every family matters. Every household reached represents a life touched with dignity, hope, and the opportunity to celebrate Passover with joy.
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The heartfelt appreciation expressed by the families we were privileged to assist reminds us why this effort is so important. Knowing that this food distribution brought relief, happiness, and peace of mind to so many homes gives us the strength and inspiration to continue this vital mission year after year.
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Iyar 5’786
May 2026
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A Major Milestone at the Torah Umesorah Principals Convention
In May, we made another important trip to Connecticut, USA, to participate in the annual Principals Convention. This marked a significant milestone for The Lamplighter Foundation and our international school leadership initiatives.
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For the first time, we hosted an exhibition booth where we proudly presented our Encyclopedia and Research for School Principals, together with our educational initiatives, leadership programs, and long-term vision for advancing school leadership around the world.
Throughout the conference, we met with school principals, educational leaders, administrators, and representatives of educational institutions from across North America. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Many visitors expressed great interest in our research, publications, and innovative leadership initiatives, opening the door to numerous new relationships and exciting opportunities for future collaboration.
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In a special letter sent to our donors and friends following the conference, I described the significance of this historic milestone and the tremendous potential it created for our organization. The conference was far more than an exhibition—it was the beginning of a new chapter, establishing valuable partnerships and laying the foundation for future educational projects.
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As we look ahead to the coming year, we anticipate dedicating considerable time and effort to developing the ideas, collaborations, and strategic partnerships that emerged from this unique gathering. We are confident that the seeds planted during this convention will, with Hashem's help, grow into meaningful initiatives that will strengthen school leadership and benefit educational institutions for many years to come.
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Tamuz 5’786
July 2026
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For school principals, the summer months are among the busiest and most important times of the year as they prepare for a successful new school year. At The Lamplighter Foundation, the summer season is likewise our busiest time, as we dedicate ourselves to supporting school leaders through professional guidance, strategic coaching, consultation, and ongoing leadership development.
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At the very beginning of the summer, we released a special letter to school principals throughout our international network. In this letter, we once again invited educational leaders to benefit from our unique leadership curriculum and comprehensive support as they prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the coming academic year.
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Most significantly, for the first time, we introduced an extraordinary new initiative that will be unveiled during the coming year. This groundbreaking project forms part of the Fourth Edition of our Encyclopedia for School Principals. Yet it is far more than another section of the encyclopedia—it is truly a book within a book: a comprehensive, expanded academic and educational curriculum unlike anything previously developed. We believe it represents a historic milestone in the field of school leadership and educational administration, providing principals with practical tools, research-based strategies, and visionary guidance to strengthen their schools and inspire future generations.
The letter below speaks for itself and reflects both the significance of this new initiative and our unwavering commitment to advancing excellence in educational leadership around the world.
At a farbrengen my father proclaimed: Just as wearing tefillin every day is a Mitzva commanded by the Torah to every individual regardless of his standing in Torah, whether deeply learned or simple, so, too, it is an absolute duty for every parent to spend half an hour every day considering the Torah-education of his children and to do everything in his power - and beyond his power - to inspire his children to follow the path along which they are guided (Hayom Yom, 22 Teves).