Expanded Wellness Summit at Kinus Gives Shluchos Practical Tools for Calmer, More Balanced Living
In past years, hundreds of shluchos arrived early or stayed late to take part in the Wellness Summit. The atmosphere reflected something shluchos don’t often get: dedicated time to focus on themselves. New for this year, the full-day Wellness Summit, a project of Shluchim Refuah at Merkos 302 and the Wellness Institute at JLI, has been moved into Thursday’s Kinus Hashluchos workshop tracks. Allowing shluchos to participate fully without taking extra time away from their families or shlichus.
The program is designed to tend to whatever a shlucha is carrying. Rather than addressing crisis moments alone, the program focuses on the daily rhythm: how to move through the constant demands of shlichus and family life from a calmer, more present, more connected place.
“The Shluchos are the first line of support for their communities,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, director of the International Conference of Shluchos. “The workshops are designed to equip them with critical tools to ensure their personal well-being, ensuring they have the strength to continue being the global support system of the Jewish people. The response year after year shows how vital this kind of support has become.”
The program offers a carefully structured blend of professional guidance and lived experience. Mrs. Dina Hurwitz, wife of shliach Rabbi Yitzy Hurwitz, who is battling ALS, opens the day with “Surviving Survival Mode,” addressing how to hold ourselves with compassion when life feels overwhelming. Dr. Perella Perlstein, PsyD, follows with “The Ripple Effect,” offering tools to lower the emotional temperature when anxiety touches the home.
The afternoon shifts to relationships and partnership. Mrs. Raizel Shemtov, Shlucha to Toledo, OH, shares her personal journey in “A Shlucha’s Journey: Choosing Strength Through Connection,” followed by Rabbi Eliezer and Sharon Zwickler LCSW’s on maintaining a strong marriage while navigating the distinctive dynamic of leading a Jewish community together with your spouse, “Partners in Shlichus, Partners in Life.””
Two clinical sessions round out the day. Dr. Nachi Felt, psychologist and professor at Columbia University, known as “the ADHD doctor,” presents skills to notice overwhelm early and respond before it takes over. Dr. Debbie Ellis, a noted psychologist, speaker, and author, helps participants shift from reacting to choosing their response.
The program is designed with application in mind. Guided reflection and journaling sessions are woven throughout the day, giving participants time to work with real moments from their own lives. The Summit closes with a candid panel discussion featuring Dr. Felt and Dr. Ellis, and debating real-life scenarios.
“This isn’t only for shluchos facing major challenges,” said Mrs. Chani Goldberg, director of Shluchim Refuah at Merkos 302. “Whatever you’re navigating right now, this day is for you. Whether you’re managing the regular demands of shlichus and family life or working through something heavier, the skills we’re teaching apply across the board. It’s about learning to live from a more present, more connected place.”
The Summit addresses a reality that touches every Chabad House: when a shlucha feels supported and steady, the whole home feels it. The sessions were carefully selected to focus on upstream skills, the kind that help shluchos meet both everyday strain and more difficult moments with greater clarity and strength.
“I’m excited to attend the summit again at the Kinus,” said NJ Shlucha Zlatie Benjaminson. “The presenters thoughtfully address the personal and communal challenges shluchim face, empowering us to care for our own wellbeing and support our communities.”
For shluchos attending the Kinus, the Wellness Summit offers a full day to step back, learn practical skills, and connect with others navigating the same realities. By the time they leave, they’ll carry more than inspiration. They’ll have tools they can use that night at home.
The Summit will take place on Thursday, 18 Shvat, at Ulam Chana, 556 Crown Street, from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Shluchos can partake by registering to the Shluchim Refuah Track at kinus.com/registration/workshops.
