Editing Released Time (section)

== History ==
Until 1940, the American Constitution prohibited religious education within public schools. In 1940, a law was passed allowing a weekly one-hour release on Wednesdays in public schools to enable students to study their religion outside the school framework.

When the [[The Rebbe Rayatz|Frierdiker Rebbe]] arrived in America and Machne Israel was established, this framework was created under the leadership of Rabbi Yaakov Yehuda Hecht and [[Rabbi Nissan Mindel]].

Machne Israel began operating to utilize this hour for teaching Judaism. The hour was the last hour on Wednesday, hence its popular name "Wednesday Hour" ("Mitvoch Hour").

Within this framework, Temimim students would go out to teach Judaism throughout New York and its surroundings. Over time, this organization developed into Mesibos Shabbos. In 1976, with the announcement of Mivtza Chinuch, this organization gained momentum and became established.

Over the years, the activity was transferred to the responsibility of the Committee of Jewish Education.

In years when Lag B'Omer falls on Sunday, the organization is responsible for conducting the 'parade' in front of 770, where Eastern Parkway is closed to traffic and tens of thousands of children pass before the Rebbe accompanied by exhibits and signs with Jewish messages.