Menachem Tzvi (Mendel Hersh) Paneth (Mendel Hersh Paneth)
Menachem Tzvi Paneth (born August 11, 1983) is an educator, entrepreneur, cantor, graphic designer, painter, digital content creator, and speaker. Paneth is well-known for his educational and cultural initiatives within Haredi communities, combining the preservation of Jewish values and the Yiddish language with innovations in media and education. His work has garnered significant praise while also facing criticism from more conservative circles within his community.
Personal and Family Background Menachem Tzvi Paneth was born in 1983 in Antwerp, Belgium, into a prominent Hasidic family:
His father, Rabbi Shmuel Chaim Yechezkel Paneth, serves as the Admor (spiritual leader) of the Dej Hasidic community in Antwerp. His mother, Rebbetzin Chava Paneth, is the principal of the Belz community school in Antwerp. She is a member of the notable Grunfeld family: Her grandfather, Rabbi Mordechai Grunfeld , served as the Av Beit Din (head of the rabbinical court) in Nyíregyháza, Hungary, and later as Chief Rabbi of the Haredi community in Vienna. Paneth’s heritage, which includes connections to Rabbi Shimon Grunfeld (the Maharashag), a prominent halachic authority in Hungary, has deeply influenced his dedication to preserving the Yiddish language and Hasidic traditions.
Educational Career Teacher and Educator At the age of 21, Paneth began his career as a teacher in Hasidic schools in Monsey, Antwerp, and Brooklyn. His educational methods combined traditional instruction with experiential learning, emphasizing the personal development of his students.
The "Mechon LeMetzuyanim (מכון למצוינים)" Program In 2005, Paneth founded the "Mechon LeMetzuyanim (מכון למצוינים)," an after-school educational program for Haredi children:
Mission: To provide tools for personal, social, and academic development. Expansion: The program gained popularity and expanded to communities in Monsey, Williamsburg, and Antwerp. Lectures and Public Speaking Paneth is a sought-after speaker on topics including education, Yiddish language preservation, and Hasidic values.
His lectures have been recorded and distributed through CDs produced by the Shmuel Yeshaya Foundation. Literary Contributions Author Paneth has authored educational books for children, including illustrated editions of the Mishnah designed to make Torah study more accessible. These books are widely used in Haredi schools as key teaching tools.
Media Initiatives Kindline Magazine In 2014, Paneth launched Kindline, a weekly Yiddish-language magazine:
Purpose: To provide educational, cultural, and values-based content for children and parents in Haredi communities. Content: Stories, comics, articles, and games. Hundred Publications In 2021, Paneth founded Hundred Publications, aimed at offering additional, diverse content for Haredi communities.
The project faced financial and legal challenges. Legal Disputes Paneth was involved in legal disputes concerning the management and intellectual property rights of the Kindline magazine. In 2023, due to economic and legal pressures, he filed for bankruptcy but continued his work in other areas.
Creative Activities Graphic Designer and Painter Paneth has designed magazines, books, and educational content that are used in numerous Haredi schools.
Digital Creator Paneth manages successful YouTube and Instagram channels, where he shares educational and cultural content:
"Manner in the Kitchen": A video series combining traditional recipes with historical storytelling. Classes and videos on Jewish culture and tradition. Cantor and Musician Paneth is a sought-after cantor who performs at major ceremonies. His renditions of Hasidic melodies, such as Av Harachamim, have been widely acclaimed.
Family Paneth is married to Sarah ("Shuri") Friedman, his partner in educational and cultural initiatives. The couple has five children and resides in New York.
Vision and Impact Paneth combines tradition with innovation in education, aiming to preserve the Yiddish language and Jewish values for future generations.
Sources Personal documents and CV Articles in Haredi media CDs by the Shmuel Yeshaya Foundation Legal documents from bankruptcy court YouTube interviews: Interview with Frieda Wiesel on Hasidic dress Interview with Eli Bendik on preserving the Yiddish language References