30 ‘Talmidim Shluchim’ Gather

30 Talmidim Shluchim from around Australia gathered for a Kinus (conference) in Melbourne to farbreng together, hear words of inspiration and advice, and to strengthen their hiskashrus to the Rebbe.

Over Shabbos, the Talmidim Shluchim located throughout Australia gathered for the annual Kinus Talmidim Hashluchim. Shluchim from Melbourne and Sydney came together to add in the energy that they carry out their Shlichus with and strengthen their efforts in fulfilling the Rebbe’s will. This year, it was held in Melbourne.

The Kinus Talmidim Hashluchim of Australia began in 5746 (1986), once there were Talmidim Shluchim in multiple locations throughout Australia, namely Sydney and Melbourne. Ever since there has been a yearly kinus in alternating locations.

The Kinus this year began on a Thursday evening, with a beautiful welcome dinner. Mr. Josh Goldhirsch hosted the evening in the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Goldhirsch. The Shluchim had the opportunity to hear from their fellow Shluchim, discussing various activities that they do throughout the year.

The highlight of the evening was when the Shluchim got to hear from the Goldhirschs. Michael Goldhirsch spoke about his unique connection with the Rebbe and the various Kiruvim and directives he had received. In addition, he spoke about the background and the role that he played in the history of Melbourne’s Chabad community.

Josh Goldhirsch also spoke about his special connection and stories that he had with the Rebbe. He showed a beautiful film about the theme of the kinus “Ich Fur Duch Mit Aich” – that the Rebbe is always with the Shluchim, and spoke about the topic.

The evening concluded with high spirited singing and dancing, lasting until late.

Friday morning, the program began at the Chabad House – Hamerkaz Shelanu directed by Rabbi Motty Liberow. After Mezonos and coffee, a one of a kind chassidus shiur was delivered by Rabbi Yanky Winner of the Yeshiva Gedolah. Following Shachris and a gourmet breakfast, there were two enlightening workshops.

The first workshop was given by Rabbi Moshe Kahn, director of Chabad Youth (Tzach) of Melbourne. The workshop encompassed an analysis of how we approach our goals, and how we can better reach them. Rabbi Kahn touched on a beautiful perspective of the theme, explaining how not only does the Rebbe go with us, but we must also have the trust and “go with the Rebbe”.

Following a short break, Rabbi Yaakov Lieder, principal of Cheder Levi Yitzchak, began the second workshop. He gave a lively lesson on how it is of utmost importance to steadfastly learn the Rebbe’s teachings and put our trust in the Rebbe. He captivating the crowd with his talk, punctuated with humor and fascinating stories to illustrate his point.

After the workshops, the Talmidim Shluchim continued on to Yeshiva Gedolah. At Yeshiva Gedolah, the group picture was taken with the majestic Yeshiva building in the background. With almost thirty of the Rebbe’s Shluchim in front the Rebbe’s Yeshiva, it was truly a sight to behold. Following was a quick lunch, and then they went on Mivtzoim.

The Shluchim regrouped as Shabbos began for Mincha and Kabbolas Shabbos. At Yeshiva Gedolah, davening took place with tremendous chayus and positive vibes. Afterwards, the Shluchim made their way to the Raskin home for a beautiful Shabbos seudah. The night continued with lively fabrengens between the Shluchim, which lasted until the early hours of the morning.

Shabbos morning, the Shluchim continued the amazing Shabbos with early Tehillim, Chassidus, then Shachris. Following davening, the seudah and fabrengen took place at the Gestetner home. The Shluchim had the privilege of hearing from Rabbi Yosef Segal of Poltava, Ukraine, who told many stories about his unique Shlichus. Rabbi Mottel Krasniansky fabrenged and focused on the important ways of carrying out the shlichus, and recounted many stories about his own shlichus as a bochur.

Not long after Shabbos, the pinnacle of the kinus began. It started with an address by Rabbi Zvi Telsner, Rav of the Melbourne community, discussing the importance of time, and specifically how it is connected to the Parsha.

The keynote was delivered by Rabbi Yaakov Glasman, a prolific Rabbi and speaker. Rabbi Glasman spoke about the importance of bringing the inspiration we receive back to practicality, such as day to day Halacha.

On short notice, Dr. Jack Zacks shared a few words of the inspiration with the Shluchim. He spoke about how he appreciates the Shluchim’s impact on those around them, and how he is personally affected by the Shluchim. Once Dr. Zacks concluded, Shmuly Kesselman, Shliach in Yeshiva Gedolah Melbourne, spoke on an eye to eye level to the Shluchim. He addressed the paradoxical responsibility that a Shliach carries.

Concluding with an exciting roll call and spontaneous dancing on its heels, the Kinus closed on a high note. Shluchim farbrenged with each other before they parted ways to their location of Shlichus.

The Kinus definitely gave the Shluchim a well-deserved boost in their Shlichus, which will continue to carry them through the rest of their Shlichus. One can only come away inspired with a fresh energy from such a Kinus.

The Kinus was coordinated and organized by Yeshivah Gedolah Shluchim Mendy Shishler and Chaim Feigelstock. Thank you to the Goldhirsch, Raskin, and Gestetner families, Rabbis Moshe Kahn and Motti Liberow, for hosting the events and helping out.

A special thanks to all the speakers and to those that assisted in making the Kinus possible. Lastly, many thanks to the administration of Yeshiva Gedolah for sponsoring and hosting a large part of the Kinus.