30 Years: The Army of Shluchim Is Larger Than Ever!
Thirty years ago a group of 45 Shluchim got together for the first time since being sent on Shlichus. Today, 30 years later, the number of Shluchim has grown to over 4,500! This year marks 30 years since the first formal Kinus, which came to be thanks to the encouragement of the Rebbe.
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In an interview with Shturem.net, the Rebbe’s secretary Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky shared the story of how the first Kinus Hashluchim came to be:
In the summer of 5743 (1983), several Shluchim brought up the idea of making conference for all Shluchim in ‘the Rebbe’s courtyard.’ I wrote the idea on a piece of paper and submitted it to the Rebbe.
The Rebbe’s answer was to consult with the director of Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch, which at the time was Rabbi C.M.I. Chodakov, OBM. After speaking it over with Rabbi Chodakov and other Shluchim, a consensus emerged that it was a good initiative.
On the 23rd of Cheshvan, 5744 (1983), I again approached the Rebbe with the proposal, and he jotted on the note with his holy handwriting: “May it be all with much success.”
That was how the first ever Kinus Hashluchim got its beginning.
The Shluchim arrived on Erev Shabbos, and began with a Farbrengen with the Rebbe. The Rebbe delivered a special Sicha, in which he spoke at length regarding the essence of the work of Shlichus, and the virtue of being an emissary of the leader of the generation.
On Motzei Shabbos, Sunday and Monday, the Shluchim attended Farbrengens, meetings and seminars, which later developed to become the workshops and discussion groups familiar to Kinus attendees today. The complete schedule of the Kinus and all topics to be discussed were submitted in advance to the Rebbe.
Throughout the Kinus, I would update the Rebbe on every detail. My son-in-law Rabbi Yosef Boruch Friedman transcribed a record of all the speeches. I submitted all my reports and the transcripts to the Rebbe. Rabbi Friedman was very instrumental in helping to coordinate the Kinus, and he would later merit to be the editor-in-chief of the four volumes of Sefer Hashluchim, which were published about a decade later.
The days of the first Kinus were very uplifting, and a special atmosphere permeated throughout the convention.
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As the Kinus gets underway this Wednesday, CrownHeights.info will provide exclusive coverage and unique insight in this monumental gathering, with daily photo galleries, news briefs and highlights from the five day gathering.
in those days
Only head shluchim attended.
Rabbi Kalmanson!
Rabbi Kalmanson! We all miss you in Cleveland!
The effect you had over here was enormous!
People still talk about you! Your kindness, your understanding, your devotion to the Baalabattim,
was never ending and never forgotten!
Cincinatti should be proud that they have and are very lucky to have you there!
Not Only Head Shluchim
I notice several CA Shluchim in the earlt photo,besides for Rabbis Raichik & Cunin.
to number 1
look at the picture, and see for yourself, most were not head of state.
memories
we all miss rabbi Kalmenson, it was a sad day when he left Shilichus.
to # 5
he realy didnt leave shilichus, he steped aside to do Bingo, and gave the Shlichus to his son in law Rabbi Mangel
great event
How do the number of Shluchim go up 1000 each year? Who are these people?