Books Sent to Shluchim Kids

Chabad House Compass Magazine

The package arrives in the mail. Children squeal in delight. Their mother gently raises the cardboard box, bringing out of the reach of overeager, grabbing hands. “Relax, relax,” she says, as she begins to open the package. The kids can barely contain their excitement as the contents are revealed: Books.

Such is the scene at the Lifshitz residence in Boise, Idaho each month when they receive their package from the recently launched Yaldei Hashluchim Book Library.

Created by the MyShliach organization for Shluchim’s children in partnership with the Levi Yitzchok Library in the Five Towns, founded by Shlucha Chanie Wolowik, the new initiative allows Shluchim to choose books for their kids in the comfort of their own home, and have them mailed directly to their door.

“It’s like a Yom Tov in our home each time that box arrives,” says Esther Lifshitz of Idaho, “My children are all voracious readers. For years it’s been a tremendous struggle living out here with no access to Jewish libraries or appropriate reading materials. For my kids to finally be able to have books to read, is absolutely incredible.”

While the library is especially beneficial for Shluchim living in remote areas such as Idaho, the benefits will be felt by Shluchim throughout America. “This is such a glaring need,” says Rabbi Mendy Shanowitz, MyShliach’s director. “We are glad to be able to provide this great service, and be the first ever web based Jewish library.”

A key part of the library’s appeal to Shluchim is the minimal cost involved. “We rely on donors and supporters to subsidize the costs of buying and maintaining books, shipping and other expenses,” says Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of Merkos Suite 302, a centralized organization under which MyShliach is run.

“Even a small amount ensures that tens of families can enjoy a Jewish book. That’s a tremendous investment to make for the chinuch of our children on ‘the front lines.'”

According to Lifshitz, the value of easily accessible kosher reading materials is far reaching. “My kids don’t see any other religious Jews in Boise,” she explains. “Reading stories about other frum Yidden helps them appreciate the grand nation and history they are part of.”

Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch says the library will help Shluchim with their Chinuch struggles. “Being able to properly educate children on Shlichus is a concept that Shluchim worry and stress over each and every day of their lives. We try do everything in our power to assist them.”

The books are not only teaching Shluchim’s children, but are affecting communities as well. “My children are often so enthralled by the books, they discuss them with anyone they meet,” says Lifshitz.

“Our children’s enthusiasm rubs off on our community members, and they are intrigued by the tales they hear which invariably contain many interesting Jewish concepts and ideas. The Library has a direct impact on our Shlichus.”

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