Down Under – Kinus of Talmidim Hashluchim

Throughout the world of Lubavitcher Yeshivas there exists a very special group of bochurim. The Talmidim Hashluchim are older bochurim who’s time and energy is dedicated to helping younger students in their journey through yeshiva years. From as close as Pittsburgh and New Haven to as far as Israel, Russia and Singapore. These bochurim work wonders with inspiring the younger student in their charge.

For several years the Vaad Hatmimim of New York has organized regional kinusim for these shluchim. Here they gather for a Shabbos of inspiration to share experiences, farbreng, and prepare to go back to their respective yeshivas with added enthusiasm.

This week the first of the kinusim took place; in Sydney, Australia. The Melbourne shluchim flew into Sydney on Wednesday afternoon and spent three days filled with specially prepared programming.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

Throughout Thursday the Bochurim heard lectures on an array of topics. Rabbi Yossi Feldman, Menahel, opened the day welcoming everyone to the yeshiva. Rabbi Zalman Kastel gave a beautiful presentation entitled “interactive methods of chinuch”. Rabbi Nochum Schapiro of Chabad of the North Shore, Rabbi Yoram Ulman, member of the Sydney Badatz and Rabbi Eli Feldman also addressed the shluchim. The night ended with a farbrengen.

Friday morning the guest Mashpia arrived; Rabbi Ahron Leizer Ceitlin all the way from Tzfas. He joined the shluchim on Mivtzoim in downtown Sydney. After a very successful few hours they gathered at the famed Sydney Opera House for a group picture.

As Shabbos set in, the atmosphere was uplifting. After a Lebedike Kabolas Shabbos the action began. Rabbi Ceitlin took the floor and for hour after hour the shluchim sat listening to his words of motivation and direction. He spoke about how a shliach is always on a pedestal being watched. He always needs to make the right impression. The shluchim could really relate as Rabbi Ceitlin recalled when he was a bochur sent to Australia on shlichus many years ago.

The next day saw more farbrengens in the true spirit of Ahavas Yisroel. “But the highlight was certainly the Seudas Shabbos Farbrengen,” recalls Yaron Jacobs, Shliach to Sydney, “Rabbi Ceitlin drilled it into us that Gimmel Tammuz was fast approaching, and we each had a responsibility to prepare ourselves and our surroundings for this holy day.”

After a scrumptious Melavah Malkah the shluchim took leave of each other and headed back to their respective places of shlichus. But it didn’t end there, in fact there is a conference call being held tonight between the shluchim to discuss a practical hachlotoh in preparation of Gimmul Tammuz. An idea had been suggested to involve all Australia Anash in an effort to increase the learning of the Rebbe’s Torah. Tonights meeting will decide.
Thanks are due to Shluchim Yaron Jacobs, Yossi shtrocks, and Yisroel Haller. To Rabbi Pinchus and Rabbi Yossi Feldman of the Sydney Yeshiva. Very special thanks to Rabbi Ceitlin for making the long tedious trip to inspire some fellow shluchim down under.

“After such an astounding success, we are excited to get back to work on the other regional kinusim that are currently beinng planned,” said Yudi Steiner of the Vaad Hatmimim.” “Currently we are preparing one in North America, Israel, Russia and possibly more,” he concluded.