Western Shluchim Meet in Portland

By COLlive reporter

This past Shabbos, the largest ever Western Region Kinus Hashluchim was held in Portland, Oregon, with 49 Shluchim, 18 Shluchos and nearly 80 yaldei Hashluchim attending.

It was a far cry from the original group of 12 Shluchim operating in 12 U.S. states that were bundled together to form the “Western region” when the Rebbe asked that regional conventions be held for Shluchim, in addition to the international Kinus in New York.

That “Sheiris Hapleita” region unites Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

To attend the Kinus, Shluchim and their families came by car, boat, mobile homes, train and plane. Some expressed how they drove the 10 hours only so their children can experience a shabbos with fellow Shluchim.

The Kinus was hosted by Rabbi Moshe and Devorah Wilhelm of Chabad of Oregon in honor of the 32nd year (Shnas HaLev) on Shlichus and was chaired by Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky.

Shluchim who attended the regional kinus hosted in Portland 18 years ago commented how they were amazed how a state with one Chabad House with 2 Shluchim has developed into one with 9 Chabad centers and 11 Shluchim families.

Over Shabbos, they farbregned and shared stories of waking up in middle of the night to bail someone out of jail, overcoming their fears and making phone calls to friends diagnosed with severe illness and discovering the unique opportunity they have to truly reach each and every Jew in their community.

The gathering spread over 4 locations where the men, women, boys and girls each farbrenged until the very end of a long Shabbos that ended only at 9:29 PM.

The theme of small town Shlichus and bringing oneself and family to Rebbe was repeated throughout. In the spirit of “Ish Es Re’eihu Yazoru” – being supportive, Shluchim pledged to help bring each other’s families to the Rebbe.

On Friday, the visiting Shluchim also met with the leadership of the Jewish Federation of Greater Oregon, Oregon Health and Science University and other local institutions. Rabbi Dov and Chani Bialo of Chabad of Reed College hosted the Friday lunch for the Shuchim as well as the Yaldos Hashlucim program over Shabbos.

Rabbi Shnuer Nejar of Merkos coordinated the participation of Merkos and the Yaldei Hashluchim programs were arranged by Merkos Suite 302.