This past week, close to 140 Chabad on Campus Shluchim from around the world gathered for the Chabad on Campus International Kinus HaShluchim, a three-day conference filled with learning, innovative workshops, and achdus.
From the Kinus opening at the Ohel to the closing banquet, the Kinus offered the perfect balance of reflection, learning, and connection.
“It is a profound honor for Chabad on Campus International to host this extraordinary gathering of Shluchim,” said Rabbi Yossy Gordon, CEO of Chabad on Campus International. “Guided by the Rebbe’s vision that every Jewish student be welcomed, supported, and inspired to embrace their heritage with pride, this event is a wellspring of strength. With Hashem’s blessings, the inspiration and vision born here will strengthen Shluchim, energizing their sacred mission and transforming the lives of Jewish students on campuses across the globe.”
The Kinus opened at the Ohel, where Shluchim wrote a Pan Kloli on behalf of the Shluchim on campus. They then traveled to the Hilton Parsippany Hotel with an opening learning session moderated by Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, University of Kansas. The day concluded with a lively dinner followed by a live podcast recording, featuring first-hand accounts from Shluchim in the field and an interview with Mr. George Rohr, longtime benefactor of Shluchim on campus. His candid reflections and personal stories brought an added dimension of inspiration, before the night wrapped up with farbrengens that stretched late into the evening.
The following day was packed with hands-on learning: from strategies to strengthen shlichus operations, to techniques for sparking creativity, to discovering innovative engagement tools at the resource fair. After dinner, participants traveled to the Tiferes Bochurim Yeshiva at the Rabbinical College of America in Morristown for an immersive yeshiva experience, exploring the learning opportunities available to their students firsthand. This excursion was followed by a fabrengen led by Rabbi Levi Jacobson, Shliach in Toronto, into the early hours of the morning.
On the final day, participants began with Chassidus and davening, leading into the grand banquet. The highlight of the banquet was the keynote address delivered by Rabbi Chaim Shaul Brook of California State University, Northridge, who inspired his fellow Shluchim with a call for personal growth and fearless leadership in their Shlichus. The banquet was filled with heartfelt speeches, spirited singing, and a shared sense of purpose as Shluchim prepared to return to their campuses with renewed energy.
Reflecting on the Kinus, Rabbi Avi Weinstein, COO at Chabad on Campus International, shared, “It’s incredible to see Shluchim from campuses around the globe come together, share their experiences, and walk away inspired with renewed energy and the knowledge that they are part of the Rebbe’s powerful network dramatically strengthening the Jewish future.”
“It was absolutely amazing from start to finish,” said one Shliach. “The sessions were amazing, and the chance to bond with and meet other Shluchim with similar challenges, all genuinely caring for each other, was truly inspiring.”
Another remarked, “Every year it keeps getting better and better!”
Event Production: Bentzi Sasson, GoKosher Travel
Program Production: Dovid Weinbaum
Photographer: Yossi Jerufi
Videographer: Berel Groner
