Op-Ed: When Territory Becomes the Mission – A Wake Up Call for Shlichus in South Florida
by Anonymous
I’m writing this not as a complaint, but as a cry, a cry for clarity, for honesty, and for a return to the essence of what Shlichus is truly meant to be.
Recently, I attempted to explore the possibility of starting a small Chabad presence in a quiet, underserved part of South Florida. It wasn’t some grand campaign, and it certainly wasn’t about stepping on anyone’s toes. It was simply a desire to bring light to a pocket of Yidden who aren’t being reached regularly, who may not even know there’s a Yid next door. But what I ran into wasn’t discussion, wasn’t cooperation, and certainly wasn’t Ahavas Yisroel. What I encountered was a wall, thick with politics, fear, and turf protection.
It seems that in South Florida, “territory” has become a goal in itself.
There are Shluchim who will block any attempt to start something within miles of their area, not because they’re servicing that space, but because “two of their people” live near there. Forget the fact that a new Shliach might build something beautiful in an area that otherwise would remain untouched. Forget the fact that there are thousands of unaffiliated Jews or entire neighborhoods that aren’t being reached consistently, if at all. If one Shliach has two Yidden who drive 20 minutes to his Chabad House, then apparently no one else is allowed to come near.
This mindset is backwards.
Shlichus is not a business. It’s not real estate. It’s not brand control. Shlichus is about neshamos. Every soul matters. And if a new couple is ready to dedicate their life to inspiring Jews, why are we slamming doors shut over lines on a map?
Yes, parnassah should be protected. No one is suggesting that an existing Shliach’s financial security should be compromised. That’s why there are guidelines, coordination, and hashgacha. But when the main concern becomes “those two donors might like the new guy more,” we’ve drifted far from the Rebbe’s vision.
The Rebbe sent Shluchim to bring Yiddishkeit to every Jew. Not to build walls. Not to turn neighborhoods into zones of control.
If someone wants to open a Chabad House in a space you’re not using, physically or spiritually, why say no? Why not guide, support, and celebrate? Why not make room for more people to serve Hashem?
We’re not in this to win. We’re in this to give.
It’s time we start remembering that.
Menachem
There is an obvious solution. Don’t call yourself a chabad house or a chabad shliach and do what you want. You can do the Rebbe’s Ratzon without being an official shliach.
Hatzlacha Rabba!
AH
Chabad is a franchise. Anybody saying otherwise is not telling the truth.
Bracha Miriam
This is a very valid point actually. The leverage the territorial shluchim have depends on the author’s self-induced subjugation to the existing abusive system.
Dovid
This 💯, but you CAN Halachically and Legally call yourself Chabad.
A chossid
For the same reason every shloich feels the need to post an article about anything they do…. Post it in the local news paper or website but why to Crown Heights and/or Lubavitch web site?! it “seems” like they are only “doing” something to post an article…
We have lost our way RC”L
Mushkie
“Those two donors” are the excuse. The territory must be kept for the shaliach’s children, grandchildren etc. The “serviced area” supports the current shaliach but what about his many children, son in laws, grandchildren? Shlichus is for life and for generations. The more territory you have, the more you can insure continuity for the future generations ” ad bias goel tzedek” (at a much later date)
Yossi
On erev 3 Tammuz do the editors really think that this is appropriate to post? Something that is divisive?
Chabadnik
What is your last name?
Welcome to everyone is equal however some are more equal than others
If
You don’t name the Rabbi that doesn’t want you moving on shluchis this article is pointless. You should call out the rabbi to name and shame him
You
Should move there anyway and say screw him. He has no right to stop you from moving anywhere.
You
Can’t just move somewhere to be a shliach you need to fill out an application do an interview and than be approved by merkos to become an official shliach
Undercover Non-Orthodox Shliach
According to ChatGPT, Florida has a head Shliach (Rabbi Yossi Biston) or regional director who is considered to be the highest ranking Chabad emissary in the geographic area, who has delegated, but not independent authority, from headquarters-Merkos L’Inyunei Chinuch.
Halachic Principle – “Shliach oseth Shliach” (delegate appointing) means “A Shliach who appoints another Shliach” – Kiddushin 41a
Gil
Just go. Call yourself something that’s not Chabad and do peulos. who’s stopping you?
AH
The only place you can do it is on the moon and in Iran. Be realistic
Levy
Just go , no need to get permission. Just make sure that this shlichus is really lkabolos pni moshiach tzidkanu .!
AH
Got no way to get to the moon. anywhere else the franchise people will stop you
Yossi
It’s amazing to me that some guy has the chutzpah to bashmutz the olam of shlichus. He did not explain any process he went through, he did not describe if he approached the head shliach or if he just showed up and then asked. Nothing, just bashmutzing the Rebbe’s institution.
I am no where near South Florida. But as everyone who goes to SF knows there are Shluchim ALL OVER THE PLACE!