650 bochurim will be heading out on Merkos Shlichus this Pesach to all corners of the world. From Rwanda, Ghana, New Zealand and Poland to Russia, Greece and Iceland; from China and India to Texas and California.
To better prepare for daunting task of preparing sedorim for hundreds of guests in these challenging situations, hundreds of bochurim packed into the Jewish Children’s Museum this past Thursday for a day long seminar learning halachos and tips.
“You represent Chabad, you represent the Rebbe,” proclaimed Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice Chair of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, who sponsors and coordinates the project.
Drawing from his 40 years of service to the Rebbe, Rabbi Kotlarsky shared from his treasure of stories and information to impress upon the bochurim the power and long term affects their visits will have.
Halachic expert, Rabbi Mordechai Farkash, taught bochurim the dos and don’ts, and advised them on how to deal with various halachic problems that may arise.
Farkash deftly navigated the boys through Sedorim which may have to begin well before nightfall, and advised them on how to ensure everyone fulfills the mitzvos of Pesach properly.
“I am pleasantly surprised at how many bochurim are travelling out,” said Rabbi Yehoshua Gordon, Director of Chabad in California’s Valley.
Gordon told of the immense impact a seemingly minor encounter with a Jew could be, telling the story of meeting a Lubavitcher bochur whose mother he had called him 30 years before to learn Tanya. “Who could have imagined that a simple Tanya shiur would result in a family of mekushorim to the Rebbe?”
Bochurim were notably engrossed in the talks, with many aggressively taking notes.
“While you may look like a wreck after having worked for days on end to prepare the Seder, it is important the guests don’t see that side of you,” stressed Rabbi Tzali Wilshansky, Merkos Shlichus veteran, and shliach in Kenosha, WI. “There is no excuse for not looking presentable, and acting as a Shliach of the Rebbe.”
“It was fascinating,” said Saadia Weingarten, of Grand Rapids, MI, and heading out to Pristina, Kosovo. “I feel far better prepared to be able to perform the Seder with maximum efficiency and responsibility.”
Rabbi Schneur Nejar, who coordinates Merkos Shlichus along with Rabbi Mendel Kotlarsky, claims It is imperative the bochurim head out equipped with all the tools possible.
“This event helps ensure they appreciate the wealth of opportunity, and are armed with the keys to success.”
Prior to heading outside for a group picture, the bochurim heard from Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Director of Chabad House HQ (Suite 302) of Merkos, who gave them important technical travel tips and documents, as well as guides, haggados, bedikas chometz kits and other necessary materials.
“We have done everything possible to ensure a smooth experience for each of these bochurim who are giving up spending Pesach with their families, to help their fellow Yidden.”
Photos by Bentzi Sasson
Is Lubavitch the only one doing Kiruv?
Think Again.
No H8!
we Manchester guys are looking out for you!!!!!!!!!!!
The Hoipt bochur in Lubavitch!
Making Worcester proud!
Dovid barale. Dovid dovid Dovid Dovid aharale barale
Zevi, Hatlzacha Raba In Germany!
Go Mendel, Zalman, and Zacci!!!
Our bochrim are nothing short of gems.Every other bochur are doing errands,catching up on things_our bochrim have true missirus nefesh!!!!!!!!!
Taking my city…….
a yasherkoach to all the bochurim!!
which lucky place is going to get you next year;)??
keep up the good work!
PROPER ROLE MODELS FOR EVERY BOCHUR!!!
PILLARS OF LUBAVITCH
Zacci, who’s gonna shlep up all Zaide’s pots and pans? We’ll miss you!
go leizer perilsteyn and detroit staff
zacci witkes, worcester is proud!
ZACCI WITKES!!!!!! your going to light up germany!!!!
GIVING WORCESTER SUCH A GOOD NAME, BARUCH HASHEM!
whats up pearlstien
go yuda looking good
Worlds best travel agent!
same here!!! i feel soo privileged!! (and did nothing to deserve it!)
Yossi 🙂 You look so serious.
is that vietnam?
From motown to wherever you go! Hatlzacha!!!!!!
(room # shhh…..)
go Averemi Hartman
I spot Dovid Aharon GrossBAUM looking very spiffy.
you make us all so proud
Kol hakovod
My mistake. Make that WEDNESDAY for the matza etc!
who hoo
Grossbaum, new glasses huh? Goin on Shlichus huh? Good for you, make lubavitch and Cholon Proud!
While all my litvishe neighbors are busy spending their “Bein Hazmanim” driving Sheimos trucks, working in stores, taking driving lessons etc making money, our Bochurim are giving time and energy to run a Seder in hick towns!
Im so proud to be Lubavitch!
we wil misss u
enjoy peru!
ya sisters 🙂
Hatzlacha to all the Bochurim – you do a great job. To the four who are going to Slovakia – don’t forget to come by tomorrow for the Matza etc!
Whats up?!
hello