As High Holiday Participation Soars, Merkos Resource Site Aims To Equip Shluchim, Including October 7th Memorials
As the Jewish calendar flips the page to 5785, Chabad Houses brace for what could be their busiest High Holiday season yet. The shadow of October 7th still looms large, drawing more seekers to shuls and community centers. In response, Merkos 302 in collaboration with numerous Chabad Mosdos, has launched a one-stop platform, helping Shluchim manage their workload and maximize the effectiveness of their Tishrei programming.
Among the key offerings is a collection of the popular Compass magazine Halacha articles, tailored to address practical Shlichus and Mivtzoim queries. These include questions like; May I enter a Jewish-owned store on Rosh Hashana to blow shofar for the proprietor?; There is no river or lake within walking distance what should I do for Tashlich?; I have a small sukkah but I’m hosting a large event, may I serve snacks outside the sukkah?
To further welcome Jews seeking community and inspiration in these trying times, a Tishrei marketing package was designed in collaboration with a professional marketing agency. Complete with a website landing page, print ads, social media content, flyers, and more, the campaign will aid Shluchim in reaching as many people as possible.
The marketing campaign and halacha section are just a few of the many resources to be found on the Merkos 302 Tishrei resources website. Other useful tools include handouts for following along with davening and meal traditions, high holiday trivia games, translated ma’amorim from Sichos In English, past editions of Compass magazine packed with all sorts of tips and tricks, and much more.
Aside from the hustle and bustle of preparing for the spiritual and practical demands of this holy month, this year, Tishrei comes with more emotional weight for the entire Jewish people. Marking a year since the horrific events of October 7th, 2023, and Simchas Torah, the yartzeit of over 1200 kedoshim who were murdered on that day.
To help facilitate memorial events and meaningful Simchas Torah services, a section of the website offers a wide array of resources for Chabad Houses to mark this somber day honoring our fallen brothers and sisters. Tools include lists of the Hebrew names of the victims to be included in Yizkor services, a custom sefer torah cover, and the book “A Time To Heal” on loss and tragedy, at a discounted rate from chabad.org. All are aimed at helping communities commemorate our fallen brothers and sisters with the deepest respect.
For Shluchim working in diverse communities, selected resources are available from Merkos 302’s Espanol Desk, including a Chabad Young Professionals event program, various prayer companions, a CKids Rosh Hashana toolbox, and more all geared toward the Spanish-speaking Jewish community.
Additionally, a new platform for Shluchim to share their own ideas has been launched. Individual shluchim have worked for years to develop programs for their own communities. The platform enables shluchim to efficiently collaborate with their colleagues across the globe.
Visit Merkos 302’s Tishrei Resource Hub here. tishrei.merkos302.com
If you have any Tishrei Shlichus resources that would be helpful for Shluchim please email specialprojects@merkos302.com
