A Different Kind of Revolution – Kinus Hashluchim of the CIS
JERUSALEM, Israel — A salute to a different kind of Russian Revolution, and to the soldiers that made it happen, took place last night, as the Rebbe’s Shluchim to the CIS convened in a grand Hakhel Banquet, in the Binyanei Haumah Convention Hall in Yerushalayim. The Kinnus was titled “Shlichus, a Life of Mesirus Nefesh”.
To see hundreds of Shluchim, from Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kyrgistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Latvia, who dedicate their lives on a daily basis to disseminate and reawaken Yiddishkeit in the CIS under the Rebbe’s banner, is a heartwarming sight indeed. These Shluchim, most of them young couples, gave up the comforts of daily life to bring the Rebbe’s message to the Jewish people of the CIS who have been alienated from Yiddishkeit by 70 years of Soviet oppression.
Most of the Shluchim live lonely social lives, and the joy of meeting with their fellow brother Shluchim was palpable throughout the days of the Kinus. All during the year they work hard to ignite other Jewish souls with the same flame that burns within them. They are constantly giving selflessly to others; last night these soldiers received just recognition and appreciation.
Many institutions – from nursery schools to Smicha programs- have been established throughout the CIS. Brissen, Chuppahs, Shechita, kosher kitchens, Shul’s, programs, counseling and much more have become a common sight in every country, region and city.
Words along cannot do justice to the Mesirus Nefesh of the Rebbe’s Shluchim who have gone to live in spiritual deserts, and have made them bloom. Many resources are necessary to make a parched desert into a blooming garden, and the Shluchim don’t have access to as many resources as they need to keep up their Mosdos. But nothing daunts a Shliach of the Rebbe, and they carry on with their holy work, never forgetting their aim – doing the Rebbe’s Shlichus at all costs.
Once every few years these heroic frontline soldiers of the Rebbe convene, along with their local supporters. This year the laymen participated in the entire convention – a successful innovation.
Rabbonim and public figures as Rabbi YD Grossman, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Israeli President Shimon Peres, Ministers and MKs Atias, Nehari, Litzman, Cohen, Michaeli and Elituv, and others, were on hand to give credit where credit is due – to the Rebbe’s Shluchim.
Seeing is believing – even if it is only video snippets depicting the lives and works of the Shluchim. The Kinderlach gave an emotional rendition of Tzomo Lecho Nafshi, which was followed by a medley of joyous Niggunim. The two MCs of the evening – Shluchim Rabbi YY Wolf of Odessa and Rabbi SZ Zaklas of Novosibirsk took their places at the podium.
The Rebbe’s holy countenance appeared on the huge screens, and the crowd listened attentively as the Rebbe spoke fiery words – in Russian – insisting that Shul’s in Russia must be open, and that every Jewish child in Russia has constitutional rights to learn Torah. Yes, this was one of the holy Sichos that chipped away at the Iron Curtain, and gave way to the massive Shlichus network that is flourishing and going from strength to strength today.
Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, vice chairman of Merkos, is emotional as he greets the Shluchim and their supporters. It is a moment of Chassidishe Nachas to witness all the Shluchim, united in one purpose – to carry out the Rebbe’s Shlichus.
The date of the Kinus is an auspicious one, and integrally connected to the Shlichus in the CIS. Yud Gimmel Tammuz is the blessed day that the Friediker Rebbe was released from exile in Kostrama, and all turned their attention to the giant screens where a short video of the arrest and redemption of the Rebbe Rayatz was projected. Rabbi Nissan Ruppo, the Rebbe’s Shliach in Kostrama, comes to the podium. His presence, his entire Metzius and his personal history are witness to the great Didan Notzach of the Friediker Rebbe and the Rebbe, over Communism.
The city of Tomsk, in the Siberian Federal District, was chosen as a paradigm of Shlichus. The Shliach and Rov, Rabbi Levi Kaminetzky, works hand in hand with the head of the Kehilla and the local governor. The results speak for themselves, and resulted in a visit to Israel and a meeting with Reb Levi Leviev. After the viewing, Rabbi Kaminetzky and his supporter came up to the podium to say a few words of thanks and blessings.
Reb Levi Leviev was next at the podium; he addressed the Shluchim and their unwavering mesiros nefesh, against all odds. He spoke of the broadening scope of Shlichus in the CIS, in the face of the bleakest forecasts. There is no way to explain this wondrous occurrence. It is unfathomable by the human mind, and made possible by the absolute dedication of the Shluchim to their aim, without any thought of personal gain.
President Mr. Shimon Peres, a recent visitor to Azerbaijan, was invited to greet the Shluchim. He spoke words of respect for the Shluchim and their holy work, having seen firsthand what Shlichus in the CIS entails, and the great dedication despite the personal hardships.
It was now time to acknowledge the wonderful friends of the Shluchim, those who support each and every Moissad and activity – the Zevulons of the CIS. Rabbi Lazar and Reb Levi presented the supporters with certificates of honor for underwriting the activities of the Shluchim. Mr. Michael Miralashvilli was called upon to say a few words. Choked with emotion, he stated that he was very proud to take part in the work of the Shluchim. He pledged to be available to help whenever called upon.
Many thanks to the talented staff that coordinated the Kinus: R. Yossi Peles, R. Schneur Fleishman and all those who gave of themselves for the success of the Kinus.
As the Kinus drew to a close, everyone in the convention hall, Shluchim and supporters, rose as one, totally united, and burst into song, while dancing with fervor: Ashreinu, uMa Tov Chelkeinu. All united in the knowledge that their Shlichus has brought Klal Yisroel that much closer to the Geulah, NOW!
