Wellness Summit This Year To Focus on Resilience
by Yossi Weinstein
As excitement for the upcoming Kinus builds, Shluchim from across the globe are arriving early for a highly anticipated summit dedicated to strengthening the support they provide to their communities.
Organized by Shluchim Refuah (at Merkos 302) and The Wellness Institute (a division of JLI), the workshop responds to a growing global need, giving Shluchim the knowledge and strategies they need to address the rising emotional and mental health challenges within their families and the families they serve.
Shluchim are often the first ones community members turn to, whether facing family strain, emotional struggles, addiction concerns, senior loneliness, or crises that unfold quietly behind closed doors. This summit places Shluchim at the center by giving them the tools, language, and guidance they need to support others with sensitivity and confidence.
“Many Jews today feel overwhelmed, on campus, at work, and online. As the global support system of the Jewish people, they’re reaching out to their Shluchim for guidance and support,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Director of the International Conference of Chabad Emissaries and Executive Director of Merkos 302. “And we are here to stand behind them in every possible way.”
The need for this workshop has become increasingly pressing. Shluchim Refuah receives a steady stream of calls from communities seeking guidance, from young couples navigating stress to parents struggling with family dynamics. The summit provides a proactive, preventative approach, helping Shluchim recognize challenges early and respond with clarity and compassion.
Speakers deeply familiar with both human emotional needs and the realities of Shlichus will guide participants through some of today’s most urgent topics. Rabbi Michoel Gourarie will share practical strategies for addressing real-life challenges while also teaching how to strengthen family resilience and maintain balance. Rabbi Chaim Drizin will focus on building healthy relationships, offering tools that help couples invest in their marriage and create stronger homes.
The summit also gives Shluchim the knowledge to respond to complex situations they may encounter in their communities. Akiva Perlman, PhD, LCSW, will provide insight into understanding addiction and the early signs that often go unnoticed, equipping Shluchim with a sensitive and informed approach. Dr. Nachi Felt will guide them in recognizing and managing attention and focus struggles, issues affecting both children and adults in many communities today.
“This workshop is a proactive step to teach ideas for building strong and healthy marriages and families, and to mitigate mental health challenges,” said Chani Goldberg, director at Chabad on Call. “We hope to prevent more crises by educating Shluchim on how to respond effectively when situations arise in their families or communities.”
Every element of the summit has been thoughtfully curated to address the challenges increasingly seen in communities worldwide. The goal is not to highlight any individual cases, but to acknowledge the broader realities families and individuals are facing, often quietly.
With practical tools, expert insight, and deep sensitivity, this summit empowers Shluchim to enter the Kinus prepared to support their communities with greater strength, clarity, and impact.
The track will run on Thursday from 11:30 am – 5:30 pm.
Shluchim can register at https://www.kinus.com/registration/workshops
