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Talmidim Hashluchim Spend Day in Preparation

A special full-day Yom Iyun was hosted by the Vaad Talmidei Hatmimim for Bochurim as they take leave for the upcoming year on Shlichus to Chabad Yeshivos worldwide, held in Congregation B’nei Jacob – Chabad of Park Slope, NY.

As a pleasant kick-off for the grand event, a lavish breakfast awaited the boys upon arrival with a generously large menu, from which they continued on to the sessions.

A video of the Yechidus Klolis of 26 Tishrei 5748 was viewed where the Rebbe addresses important aspects in the Shlichus of the Bochurim.

Emcee, Hatomim Mendy Minkowitz, opened with a few welcoming words and invited Rabbi Yossi Lew, Shliach in Atlanta, Georgia to take the podium.

Rabbi Lew recounted some of his personal experiences, having been sent on Shlichus to Johannesburg, South Africa nearly thirty years ago. He articulately recalled with great emotion his feelings towards the Shlichus at the time, a result of the Rebbe’s display of intimate care and concern for the Shluchim, and the privilege of having personally received the Rebbe’s brocha (along with his fellow Shluchim) prior to his departure on the two-year Shlichus.

Rabbi Avrohom Sternberg, Shliach in New London, Connecticut spoke about his Shlichus in 5750. Rabbi Sternberg related that although direct contact with the Rebbe was less prevalent in his day, the Bochurim still received the Rebbe’s blessing throughout and gave all they had to ensure a successful Shlichus so that he would be content with their work.

Drawing a parallel to our own day, the Rabbi explained that despite the fact that the Rebbe’s presence maybe less apparent, his brochos still accompany our Shlichus each and every day, and we must see to utilize them to the maximum potential.

Exactly 22 years ago to date, on 26 Tishrei, 5750 Rabbi Sternberg was at the head of a group of Shluchim who arranged a Kinus for Talmidim Hashluchim in New York (similar to that of today). The Rebbe gave an encouraging response the event, adding that it would be advisable to publish a booklet including a summary of what took place there. In addition, the Rebbe wished that they set up an advisory board to assist the Shluchim in their respective places throughout the year. For technical reasons, the second instruction of the Rebbe was never actualized, but Rabbi Sternberg suggests that the Vaad Hatmimim possibly fulfills the Rebbe’s original intent.

Mincha concluded the first session of the day, followed by a deluxe lunch enjoyed by all.

Infused with inspiration from the words of the morning’s presenters, the second session focused on practical advice and ideas for the coming year.

Rabbi Sholom Ber Halberstam, Menahel of Mesivta Lubavitch Chicago discussed tips on a variety of subjects with the Bochurim, advising them on how to utilize their relationships with both the Hanhalah and the Bochurim in each Yeshivah, maximizing their abilities in the fullest, most productive manner. After delivering some basic words of guidance he received many questions by members of the crowd and offered his assistance in each instance.

Rabbi Mendel Duchman discussed some practical tips to help the Shluchim develop relationships with the local communities.

Afterwards, some of the members of the Vaad Talmidei Hatmimim (including Mendel Levertov, Shmulik Greenberg, and Mendel Jacobs) spoke to the new Shluchim, sharing some strategies that work best when in Yeshivah, based on their own experiences on Shlichus in previous years.

The session was concluded by Hatomim Peretz Kazen, also of the Vaad, who presented a series of new projects being launched by the Vaad in the coming months, including “The Frankel Fund”. Each group of Shluchim will be receiving a monthly check to assist in covering the costs of their own programs and projects in their Yeshivos throughout the year, sponsored by Reb Avrohom Frankel of Brazil.

The first check was distributed to each group by the director of the Vaad Hatmimim, Rabbi Tzvi Altein at the conclusion of the event, along with a generous gift of the Sefer “Toras Hashlichus” for each of the participants.

The Bochurim returned from the Kinus invigorated by the inspirational and practical topics and ideas discussed throughout the day and are enthusiastic about beginning their new endeavor with the assistance of the Vaad.

Members of the Vaad report that the results of the day’s program are thrilling. “It was a sincere pleasure to meet with the Shluchim in person and learn of their readiness to begin the year with a shturem,” they said.

The Vaad Talmidei Hatmimim thanks R’ Avrohom Frankel of Brazil for making this event possible, for the guests who came and spoke, and to Rabbi & Mrs. Mendel Duchman of Unzere Kinder for all their assistance.

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