Kinus Track To Help Newer Shluchim Build Strong Foundations

by Yossi Weinstein

Young Shluchim step into their communities with passion and determination, yet the first years of Shlichus often bring unexpected and complex challenges. Arriving alone in a new city, building relationships and community, answering halachic questions, raising funds, and balancing a young family, all at once, can feel overwhelming.

“It’s important to be in a space where the topics speak to where we’re holding right now,” says Rabbi Mendy Freund, a Shliach in Parkland, FL, and member of the Young Shluchim Kinus Vaad. “But even more than the content, being in a room where everyone is at the same stage is so powerful. There’s a real sense of camaraderie, and that’s what the Kinus is really about.”

This year’s program aims to answer that need. As the landscape of Shlichus continues to evolve, with many Shluchim taking on new Shlichus roles, a committee of younger Shluchim, facilitated by the New Shluchim Desk at Merkos 302, spearheaded a full-day track focused on the key topics and challenges new Shluchim face today

“The Rebbe taught us the importance of setting a strong foundation,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302. “These first years on Shlichus shape everything that follows. By bringing young Shluchim together, we aim to help them build the kind of support that lasts. They’re stepping into new frontiers, and we want them to know they’re not alone.”

For many new Shluchim, unique halachic questions arrive without warning. Rabbi Tuvia Kasimov, Rov and Moreh Tzedek in Crown Heights, and Rabbi Moshe Kesselman, Rov and Shliach in Los Angeles, will lead rapid-fire sessions tackling the most common questions young Shluchim face, from kashrus concerns to Taharas Hamishpacha questions and beyond.

In addition to halacha, Shluchim grapple with logistical realities: How do you inspire commitment in a community just finding its footing? How do you approach fundraising when you’re still building relationships? Rabbi Hershy Minkowitz of Alpharetta, GA, Rabbi Levi Weinbaum of Birmingham, AL, and Rabbi Menachem Caytak of Troy, MI will explore how raising expectations, both for themselves and their communities, can transform growth and sustainability.

Veteran Shluchim who’ve walked this path will share the wisdom that only comes from experience. Rabbi Chaim Hanoka of Pasadena, CA, Rabbi Yossi Shanowitz of Westmount, Canada, and Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel of Lawrence, KS will discuss the lessons they learned the hard way, helping newcomers avoid unnecessary pitfalls and build strong foundations from day one.

“When newer Shluchim have the tools and support they need,” said Rabbi Mendy Shanowitz, director of the New Shluchim Desk at Merkos 302, “they can focus their energy where it matters most: bringing the warmth and light of Yiddishkeit to every corner of their communities.”

The track also features short power talks from the aspiring Shluchim currently in the field, highlighting creative approaches and tried and tested solutions already making a difference in their communities.

The day will culminate with a keynote from Rabbi Berel Lazar, Head Shliach and Chief Rabbi of Russia. Drawing from decades of experience working with shluchim to build a thriving Shlichus network in a country where Yiddishkeit had been silenced for generations.

The newer Shluchim will also gather Thursday evening for a joint farbrengen with Rabbi Moshe New, Shliach and director of the Montreal Torah Center, offering another opportunity to connect beyond the formal sessions.

“The idea of this track is to provide a space where new Shluchim can connect and grow alongside peers who understand,” shares Rabbi Zalman Shimon Itkin, Shliach in West Lake Worth, FL, and Vaad member. “Last year’s track saw just that, and we look forward to an even better program this year.”

The Young Shluchim Track was made possible by the Vaad:

Rabbi Shneur Brook – Shelton, CT
Rabbi Shaya Itkin – Beacon, NY
Rabbi Zash Itkin – West Lake Worth, FL
Rabbi Mendy Plotkin – Dallas, TX
Rabbi Mendy Shanowitz – New York, NY
Rabbi Mendy Freund – Parkland, FL
Rabbi Mendel Chaiton – Brooklyn, NY
Rabbi Mendy Weinberg – Dunwoody, GA
Rabbi Chaim Hilel Markowitz – Rural Georgia
Rabbi Gedalya Hertz – Alpharetta, GA