Inspiration On The Way To The Ohel, A Shliach’s Baal Shem Tov Moment During the Kinus Hashluchim

Last week was the international kinus hashluchim. Due to Covid, it has been 2 years since the last in-person kinus. I debated if it was really worth all the time, effort, and expense to make the long trip to New York (not to mention jet lag) to participate in the kinus in person. After all, we are all now well experienced in doing everything virtually. Why not just watch online?

A colleague reminded me about the value the Rebbe placed on the shluchim joining in the kinus. So after checking my covid antibodies level and discovering that I have 28,000 units, over 500 times the positive result, I, together with my 9 year old son Chaim, made the trip to New York. After 2 years of isolation, I really appreciated the many wonderful workshops, farbrengens, lchaims with friends, and moments of inspiration.

For me, though, the most special moment of the kinus occurred on my way to the ohel. I just happened to sit down on the bus next to a now new friend. He opened up about the serious disaster he is going through recently in his shlichus. As I didn’t previously know him and was not involved in the situation, he felt comfortable opening up to me.

Immediately after talking, he looked as if a heavy burden was removed from his shoulders. Behashgacha pratis, I have a chaver who unfortunately experienced a similar challenge, and was able to quickly get some references for helpful resources. G-d willing, my new friend is on the way to resolve the issues, and from here on will grow to even greater success.

The Baal Shem Tov taught that a soul may descend from its place high in the heavens down into this world for 70–80 years, just to do a favor for another.

Sitting on the bus, talking with another shliach, I realized what was the true purpose of my trip to the kinus. I traveled across the world, not for all the new techniques and lechaims, but rather, to be able to be there for another.

This Shabbos, I will be in Nyezhin, located in the Chernigov region, for the birthday, yahrzeit, and chag hageula of the Mitteler Rebbe. I would be honored to daven for you at the ohel. Please send me your names.

May we always merit to be givers and help each other,

Yisroel Silberstein

Chernigov, Ukraine