Twenty Five Years Later – the Rebbe’s Vision is Realized at the Illinois Kinus Hashluchim

PEORIA, IL [CHI] — On Shabbos Chof Av 5743, the Rebbe addressed a Sicha to the annual Kinus Hashluchim of the Shluchei Kodesh in Eretz Yisroel that was scheduling to begin that Sunday, Aleph d’Parshas Reah in Yerusahalyim. The Rebbe praised that Kinus that was to include men, women, and children and the Rebbe called on Shluchim around the world to emulate that Kinus and also arrange a Kinus for Anashim, Nashim & Taf. Twenty-five years later on Aleph d’Parshas Reah 5768, that horaah was brought to fruition at the Illinois Kinus Hashluchim that took place in Peoria, Illinois.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (photos by: Tzemach Aronow of TSA Productions)

Two months earlier, Rabbi Daniel Moscowitz, head Shliach of Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois, formed an Illinois Vaad Hakinus & a Shluchos Vaad and the idea was launched. Instead of the annual one day Illinois Shluchim Kinnus that always take place in the Chicago area, a full blown family inclusive “get away” and “get some real work” done Kinnus was planned.

About 3 hours southwest of Chicago, Rabbi and Mrs. Eli Langsam operate Chabad of Peoria. In this city of 700 Jews, the Langsams a have a shul, a mikvah, a Hebrew school and a host of wonderful Chabad activities. Rabbi Langsam also has a warm relationship with the manager of the Peoria Embassy Hotel and Suites. So it was a perfect opportunity. Close enough to drive, far enough to be “away from it all” and an opportunity to bring more black hats and shaitels to Peoria than they have ever seen.

Thirty eight Shluchim families – men, women, and children – from all across Illinois packed up their minivans and off they went.

A full children’s camp run by the older Shluchim’s children provided trips, baby sitting and camp spirit in separate programs for the boys and girls. Though many kids were still away at overnight camps, 80 Tzeirei Hashluchim were fully occupied as their parents participated in the program.

Everyone arrived at noon on Sunday to an elaborate brunch. Rabbi Baruch Epstein from the central office welcomed everyone expressing the Shluchim families’ gratitude to Rabbi Daniel Moscowitz and Rabbi Yosef Moscowitz, associate director of Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois for arranging every detail of the Kinus, that provide “kol tuv b’gashmiyus vruchniyus gam yachad”.

The two days were filled with reports from the field, where shluchim shared some of their recent events, Divrei Torah and lots of genuine camaraderie. Rabbi Eli & Chana Silberstein, Shluchim in Ithaca, New York, were the scholars-in-residence, providing excellent lectures and practical Shlichus tips.

A Peoria local, Mr. Yona Lunken was the first to present a workshop. He got all the men out of their seats and while teaching effective and innovative communication skills.

Concurrently, the Shluchos had a choice of workshops. Mrs. Chana Silberstein guided them through preparing a Shiur, while Mrs. Epstein taught a Taharas Hamishpacha Review, followed by answers to common Taharas Hamishpacha questions delivered by Mrs. Chanie Hertz.

Then they switched; the women went to Mr. Lunken’s program and Rabbi Silberstein lectured the Shluchim about preparing a Shiur emphasizing the strategies of making abstract Talmudic law applicable. He was engaging, well prepared and mixed in humor and anecdotal stories to bring home his lesson.

After a short break, the Shluchim chose between two workshops: “Utilizing the Talents and Resources of our Communities” presented by Rabbi Moshe Perlstein, Rabbi Baruch Hertz, and Rabbi Yitzchok Wolf; or “Ascending in Holiness” presented by Rabbi Shmuel Notik, Rabbi Meir Chai Benhiyoun, and Rabbi Shmuel Katz.

There was a break for some family time, putting the little kids to bed, and getting ready for the grand banquet.

The tables were set elegantly; the food was scrumptious, and the program began when Rabbi Moshe Wolf, master of ceremonies, introduced Rabbi Eli Langsam and Peoria City Councilman Mr. George Jacob. Rabbi Bentzion Shemtov from Chabad at UIC gave the report from the field and Rabbi Daniel Moscowitz presented the “State of the State Address” and made a presentation to Dr. Thomas Halperin, founder of Chabad of Peoria.. Rabbi Yaakov Brody of Cheder Lubavitch was the keynote speaker keeping the audience tantalized and inspired.

After Bentshing, there were separate group pictures and all-night Farbrengens. L’chaim was shared, stories were told, hearts unburdened and words of inspiration poured like mashke. The men’s Farbrengen also had a guest Mashpia, Rabbi Zelik Aronow of Postville. Finally at 5 AM, exhausted, everyone retired to their luxury suites for a few hours of sleep.

Early Monday morning, Rabbi Silberstein gave a Shiur in Chassidus, explaining the Maamer in a manner that was scholarly and practical. The women had a class from Mrs. Yona Posner on preparing attractive and functional events and another class from Mrs. Silberstein on parenting.

After Shachris, Rabbi Mendel Moscowitz made a Siyum Mishnayos in commemoration that day of the 29th Yartzeit of the famous Shliach to Chicago, Harav Shlomo Zalman Hecht z”l.

Then, of course, it was time to eat again.

Special guest, Rabbi Yisroel Pinson of the Friendship House in Michigan delivered an intensive seminar where he spoke about dealing with and detecting addictions. Rabbi Pinson shared his expertise on recognizing addictive behavior as well as the horrid impact it has on their family and what Shluchim can do to assist in recovery.

Mrs. Donna Kaufman from Peoria informed the crowd about different local resources to obtain materials that can be used in their Chabad houses. Rabbi Yossi Brackman of Chabad at University of Chicago and Rabbi Baruch Hertz, Rav of the community, spoke about various local resources available to Shluchim, their families, and their communities.

Then it was time for some fun. Rabbi Dovid Taub made the trip from Chicago to premiere the latest in the Itche Kadoozy series; an interactive, competitive Jewish Holiday game show, which will shortly be available to Chabad Houses for their holiday programs.

In the afternoon everybody checked out of the hotel and headed to Rabbi and Mrs. Langsam’s home for a picnic and barbecue. There was a bouncing castle for the kids, and Seudas Shlomo B’shaato for the adults, followed by a tour of the Mikvah in Peoria.

Finally it was time to head on home. Everyone was physically exhausted and spiritually uplifted. In unison, they expressed their appreciation to the Vaad Hakinus and to Rabbi Daniel Moscowitz and Rabbi Yosef Moscowitz for conceiving coordinating and executing the event, to Leibel Moscowitz and Zalmie Aronow for the delectable food throughout the Kinus, and to Chava Moscowitz for directing the Kinus Camp and babysitting services.

With new ideas shared and reinvigorated spirits enrich each shliach’s mosad is recharged and their communities are the ultimate beneficiaries of the Kinus’ kick start for greater efforts to bring more goodness and kindness to the world.