Bochurim Shluchim Get Energized

One of the most influential components in Lubavitcher Yeshivos are the “student Shluchim.”

Every year, groups of young shluchim travel to yeshivas in 6 continents to help the bochurim in their learning and to bring a chasidishe warmth to the Yeshiva. This program was launched by the Rebbe 50 years ago by sending the first group to Australia.

The Vaad Hatmimim organization offers material and guidance to the Shluchim to assist them in their vital and holy work. For seven years the Vaad has been organizing an annual Kinus in the beginning of the year to inspire the shluchim and to give them useful tools for their shlichus. This year’s kinus, which took place two days after Simchas Torah in Great Neck, NY, had the shluchim of over 30 yeshivas in attendance.

Rabbi Yosef Minkowitz of Montreal, who was part of the first group of shluchim the Rebbe sent out, shared his memories about the special way the Rebbe cared for them. The shluchim received the Rebbe’s personal guidance and encouragement throughout their shlichus in distant Australia.

Before Rabbi Minkowitz and his friends embarked on their shlichus, they went to the Rebbe for yechidus. At the Kinus, the Shluchim watched a video of this powerful moment, prepared by JEM. In the yechidus, the Rebbe spelled out what he expects of the shluchim and instructed them to make the bochurim and Jews that they’d encounter into Chasidim of the Rebbe.

Rabbi Mendy Shapiro of Yeshivas Or Elchonon Chabad in LA also addressed the shluchim. he spoke about how the Rebbe believed in every Jew and thereby brought out their true potential. Shluchim of the Rebbe must emulate the Rebbe’s traits, he said. When a shliach has the Rebbe’s approach towards the bochurim within his circle of influence, the positive impact that can be had is unparalleled.

The shluchim were introduced to numerous programs which are at their disposal in their respective yeshivas. They learned about a curriculum which the Vaad has designed which brings the joy and beauty of the Rebbe’s sichos to every bochur.
The engaging curriculum has a beginner’s track which educates and equips a bochur with skills necessary for independent study of a sicha. There is also an advanced track to help learn a sicha with a deeper understanding. The shluchim were excited to take the materials with them to attract bochurim to the Rebbe’s sichos.

The shluchim also heard from bochurim who have been on shlichus previously. 10 former shluchim spoke about what they have learned from the experience in a wide array of topics. There were also a few in depth workshops where the shluchim worked on ideas of how to influence the yeshivas as well as to the local communities and heard practical fundraising tips.

A little while after this convention took place, a similar event was organized for the shluchim who are stationed in Eretz Yisroel. The shluchim resolved to create a national campaign to learn sichos and to watch the Rebbe’s Farbrengens. Every month the Israeli shluchim will send one shliach to NY to report to the Rebbe about all that they are accomplishing.