Far From Home, Completely at Home
While most people travel from New Jersey to Bermuda for a break, for Shlucha Menuchy Birnhack, it is the reverse.
Menuchy, Shlucha to Bermuda, lives in one of the most remote Jewish communities in the world. On an island, there is no kosher grocery store a few minutes away. No Jewish school down the block. No Shabbos guests who stroll over from around the corner. Everything, from raising her children, running programs, and juggling her many responsibilities, is done with heart, creativity, and often, alone.
But once a year, right after the busy Tishrei season, she joins dozens of other Shluchos who know that reality well. Women who lead communities more than two hours from the nearest established Jewish community, women who teach, lead, homeschool, cook, counsel, inspire, and rarely pause to breathe. Hailing from locations such as Nicaragua, Nigeria, and various other outlying areas across the world, they gather for what has become an important part of their Shlichus: the Ufaratzta Circle Kinus.
”The Ufaratzta Circle was created to ensure that no Shlucha, no matter how far she may be from a Jewish community or another Chabad house, ever feels alone,” explained Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302. “These Shluchos are on the frontlines of the Rebbe’s Shlichus, often serving as the only Jewish infrastructure in the most remote corners of the world, without the daily support many of us take for granted. This Kinus gives them a place to reconnect, recharge, and remember they’re part of a powerful, global family.”
Held from Wednesday afternoon through Sunday, the program began at the Rebbe’s Ohel and continued at a private villa nestled in a picturesque New Jersey setting.
The weekend combined the structure of a traditional Kinus with the warmth and comfort of a retreat. Shluchos enjoyed uplifting farbrengens with guest speaker and Shlucha Mrs. Chanie Krasnianski of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, as well as focused workshops addressing the unique realities of their Shlichus. Thoughtfully prepared gourmet meals, spa amenities, and quiet time to connect with one another provided the physical and emotional nourishment so often put aside in their daily lives.
For many, the atmosphere felt more like a family reunion than a conference. Shluchos of all ages formed deep bonds, shared experiences, and offered each other strength and encouragement.
Menuchy summed up her experience, “A huge thank you and so much appreciation to all the amazing women who organized these special, soul-filling days! It was so beautiful and uplifting and truly filled the heart and the neshama.”
“Giving to others and then coming to receive in return is something so powerful. I came home completely recharged and full of energy to keep giving and sharing!”
The Merkos 302’s Ufaratzta Circle Kinus continues to serve as an anchor for Shluchos in remote areas, offering not only tools and guidance but a space where they can be supported, seen, and strengthened to return to their unique Shlichus with renewed energy and purpose.
