Uplifting Kinus of North American Temimim Shluchim in Detroit

DETROIT, MI [CHI] — For the fifth year now, Talmidim-Shluchim from across N. America enjoyed a most enjoyable and inspiring three days, at the Kinus Talmidim Hashluchim, held this year in Detroit, MI.

More pictures in the Extended Article

Early Friday, Erev Shabbos, the Shluchim were streaming in to Yeshivas Lubavitch. (The early comers enjoyed a special Farbrengen with head Shliach Rabbi Berel Shemtov, from 6-9 AM). After Davening and Breakfast the Shluchim boarded a bus for “Bikur Mosdos Chabad” in the city. They were hosted by Beis Chabad Torah Center of West Bloomfield where Rabbi Elimelech Silberberg welcomed them and related important thoughts and guidance for the Shluchim. Rabbi Avrohom Wineberg also shared a few words. Next stop was The Shul where Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov welcomed the Shluchim and gave them a tour of the beautiful building, also sharing the history of the 40 acre campus. The Shluchim left deeply impressed with the accomplishments of Chabad in the city.

Following Mincha and opening remarks from Vaad member Yudi Shmotkin esteemed guest Rabbi Leima Wilhelm Rosh Yeshivah of Rostov delivered a captivating Shiur in a Mammor, which lasted close to an hour, after which Kabolas Shabbos started.

At Seudas Shabbos, Schneur Hecht (Shliach Los Angeles) emceed with talent. Three of the Talmidim-Shluchim spoke, Ari Weingarten – New Haven, Mendy Shapiro – Chicago, Dovid Markel – Miami. They all spoke warm words bringing up some very important points to their friends on how to improve in the fulfillment of their Shlichus entrusted to them from the Rebbe. The Shluchim Farbrengd amongst themselves, strengthening each other. Others joined Mashpiah Rabbi Yossi Gourarie who was also farbrenging.

Shliach Yale New delivered a Sicha before Musaf. After Musaf the crowd Davened Mincha and then sat down for Kidush and Farbrengen

Rabbi Leima Wilhelm in his wisdom spoke strongly to the Shluchim about their main and primary task being learning Torah and that is the support system of a Shliach. “Bmashmaneinu al yihey razon” he announced – it must be recognizable on a Shliach that torah exudes from him. The Farbrengens over Shabbos were in a very warm and geshmakeh atmosphere and very uplifting to everyone in attendance.

A report of Melava Malka and Sundays events including banquet will follow.

Following an immensely inspiring Shabbos especially the Farbrengen Shabbos afternoon which ended on a beautiful note, at 9:00 we went to the newly renovated Cheder building for Melava Malka.

M.C. Yudi Shmotkin, opened the event and asked Shliach Moshe Pape, Montreal, to address the crowd, which he did with so much warmth. Next, Rabbi Bentzion Stein long time Menahel of the Cheder was invited to speak. Rabbi Stein spoke to the Shluchim about how to relate to a Bochur and about the profound impact an older Shliach can have on a younger Talmid, at times, beyond what Hanhala can achieve. Hanhala member Mendel Popack spoke on how to identify the needs of a Bochur and how to go about dealing with them, catering to their specific situation.

After Chasidus, Davening and breakfast at the beautiful Beis Chabad of North Oak Park, we went we boarded a bus to West Bloomfield where we had a tour of the Friendship Circle campus.

At this point we gathered for a very relevant ‘closed-door session’ with Rabbi Leima Wilhelm – Kinus guest. The seventy Shluchim there, were taken by Rabbi Wilhelm’s poignant and targeted message (due to its sensitivity it will not be published on this forum).

Following was the most vital session of the Kinus: ‘Hamaseh hu ha’ikar, as the Rebbe always stressed to the Kinusim. The crowd gathered for a Round-table discussion. Yossi Zaklikofsky moderated this discussion, as ideas were being presented by the participating Shluchim. After much debate there was a decision of four very important Hachlatos, each fundamentally contributing to the Shluchim and their Shlichus.

Next, the crowd set up for a group picture. This was followed by a spontaneous dance to a Lebedike Chassidishe Nigun. Then was Mincha.

Nicely set tables welcomed us in the social hall of The Shul. Yudi Shmotkin introduced Yossi Zaklikofsky to emcee the event. He welcomed the crowd and after opening remarks asked Rabbi Yisroel Pinson to share a few words. Rabbi Pinson stressed that Ahavas Yisroel to every Yid equally is at the route of our Shlichus. Shliach Mendy Wolff – Los Angeles, spoke passionately that with the proper focus we can successfully accomplish our dual mission of being Yeshiva Bochurim ourselves and at the same time impacting our younger peers.

To address the theme Yossi invited the Head Shliach to the state of Michigan, who this year is celebrating fifty years on Shlichus. Rabbi Berel Shemtov Farbrenged with the crowd for about 45 minutes, telling the Shluchim that with Emunah in the Rebbe’s words we should fulfill our mission like soldiers, whose sole interest is to carry-out the command of the general. He also elaborated that the Rebbe clarified any doubt that a Chosid may have in today’s time and left no question unanswered.

Yossi Zaklikofsky took the podium to close the Kinus. While doing so, he thanked the hosting Yeshivah as well as Zalman Deren and Meir Sokofsky who took great care of the guest. Special thanks went to the local Anash who opened their homes so graciously to the Shluchim.

He also thanked Vaad members namely: Yudi Shmotkin, Yitzi Steiner and Reuven Gitter for their tireless work in making the Kinus a great success.

After Bentching, the crowd parted to the song of Tayereh Brider, leaving each other with renewed strength and invigorated Chayus to return to their Shlichus. Each received a Souvenir CD a collection of Sichos the Rebbe spoke to the Shluchim over the years. With the hope that very soon we will all merit to be reunited with our Meshaleiach.