Igniting The Flame: An Evening of Hiskashrus At The Kinus Hasluchos
Thousands of Shluchos gathered Thursday night for the Kinus Hashluchos General Session, an evening dedicated to the theme of Hiskashrus—the deep and unbreakable bond between a Shliach and the Rebbe. Titled Igniting the Flame: A Journey of Hiskashrus, the program was arranged by the Vaad Hakinus and hosted by Mrs Chaya Rochel Lieberman, a shlucha to West Hempstead, NY.
The evening opened with a video highlighting the night’s theme featuring senior Shlucha Mrs. Bassie Garelik of Milan, Italy sharing how in 1959 when she moved on Shlichus she was asked how she could leave the “fire” of a religious environment to go on Shlichus away from established Jewish communities. Wouldn’t exposure to the outside world cool her off? She responded that she wasn’t leaving the fire because a shluchah is always connected to The Rebbe. Wherever she finds herself in the world, she remains on fire, pot bubbling.
“We wanted the evening to reflect that idea,” said Mrs. Mushkie Zimmerman, a Shluchah to Oro Valley, Arizona, and member of the Vaad that helped arrange the event. “A Shliach doesn’t grow distant. The Rebbe’s mission keeps us connected, no matter where we are.”
Tehillim was recited by Mrs. Henya Milecki, shluchah in Melbourne, Australia, and Mrs. Nechama Greenberg, Shluchah in Oceanside, California. Following this, “Welcome Shluchos to the Kinus Grand” a song written for the occasion was performed by Mrs. Didi Konikov from Englewood, NJ, and Mrs. Miri Lipskier from Melbourne, Australia Waving symbols, the signature instrument of dignified Jewish women, the song set the tone for an evening embracing the unique role of women in leading their Jewish communities.
Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, director of the Kinus, spoke about the significance of Hiskashrus in the life of a Shliach. “The Rebbetzin spoke of the nachas she received by hearing the reports of shluchos’ activities around the world,” he relayed.
In a special video presentation, Shluchos shared their memories of Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky OB”M beloved chairman of the Kinus’s unique dedication toward their Shlichus. The evening was dedicated to Leilui Nishmaso.
The evening continued with a panel of four Shluchos sharing personal reflections with the hostess, describing how they keep their own Hiskashrus strong. Rivky Herzel (Zambia, Africa), Chana Mayer (Charlottesville, VA), Zeldie Richter (Queens, NY), and Rivky Slonim (Binghamton, NY) spoke about their experiences in their respective communities.
An interactive segment invited attendees to text in their personal Hachlata—a resolution to strengthen their own Hiskashrus, in one word. These commitments were displayed on-screen, creating an incredible visual representation of the mitzvos to be carried out across the world. The evening concluded with a moving medley of songs about Hishkashrus..
For the thousands of Shluchos present, the message was clear: no matter where their mission takes them, they remain on fire, always connected to the Rebbe, and to each other, carrying his vision forward.
Photo Credit: Itzik Roitman —Kinus.com
