Young Shluchos Hold Gala Banquet

The banquet from a camper’s perspective

I must be honest with you, by the time it was Sunday night, I was exhausted and hoarse. The banquet was not the place I wanted to be, the Kinnus was amazing but now my mind was flooded with images of my warm bed and my mother.

As I pushed open the doors to Beis Rivka, an amazing sight met my eyes. The room was beautifully decorated with pink table runners and settings, in the center of each table was an ornate jewelry box overstuffed with prizes and memorabilia. Swaying gently in the air were balloons with the flags of different countries printed on them and as a final touch there was a huge banner pronouncing the theme of the banquet; ‘The Power Is Yours’.

As I took this all in, my mind cleared and all traces of fatigue quickly vanished. I hurried to my bunks table to get a good seat for the evening. The singing began and it felt like an electric current had surged through the room, it was so powerful and inspiring; there was nowhere else I wanted to be at that moment. I was surrounded by fellow Shluchos encouraging and motivating each other.

So much thought and planning went in to each step of the program. The choir was phenomenal and listening to Chanale Fellig singing, was such a treat.

I felt really special and empowered as I watched the video of my fellow Shluchos around the world helping their communities and hearing the Rebbe’s special words to us young children. To really bring out the theme – ‘The Power Is Yours’ – there was a ‘fashion show’. We travelled through the generations and saw how in each era there were women who influenced the world around them. Starting with Sara Imeinu, we continued all the way to our generation. To represent us Shluchos, Chaya Deitch of Chandler, Arizona and Mushky Asimov from France described what our mission is.

I didn’t win any of the raffles at the end, but there were so many prizes on the table that I didn’t really mind. And, what more do I need than the messages and friendships I nurtured here at the Kinnus. The banquet was truly a very special ending to three amazing days. A big thanks to all of you at The Shluchim Office for making this happen.

Now I really need a bed and tea, but this time it is with a big smile on my face, very glad that I didn’t miss the finale! I return home knowing that the ‘Power Is Mine’, I hope I live up to this challenge.

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