By COLlive staff
For a group of people who are constantly giving to others, the mere thought of spending three days away is hard even to fathom. But there couldn’t be a more deserving group than the Chabad on Campus Shluchus, who recently gathered in the Hilton in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, for their annual Kinus.
It was a long-awaited opportunity to celebrate these outstanding leaders and provide them the chance to connect with one another, be inspired, and share best practices.
“Sometimes, when you’re working non-stop to provide for, and inspire others, you don’t even realize how much your own battery can use a recharge,” said Rabbi Avi Weinstein, COO of Chabad on Campus International. “For these three days, we invested in a program that would cater to the physical and spiritual needs of the incredibly devoted Shluchos. They are true royalty and deserve to be treated as such.”
Indeed, numerous amenities and a thoughtful program enabled the Shluchos to enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed environment allowing for reflection and growth. Spa night, massages, and yoga sessions, along with an entertaining session on behavioral science with world-class illusionist Ilan Smith, kept the body nourished, while Chassidus shiurim from Mrs. Rivky Kaplan of Tzfas, and farbrengens, fed the soul.
Inspiring opening remarks were given by George Rohr, whose generous support underpins much of the work of Chabad on Campus, as he also fielded personal questions from the attendants. Passionate inspiring words from Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Chairman of the Chabad on Campus International Board of Directors, added a much-needed inspirational boost.
A highlight of the program was the beginning session of “speed meeting,” in which each Shlucha got the chance to meet every other Shlucha in attendance for just five minutes, setting the tone for a sisterly atmosphere.
“In addition to being meaningful and thought-provoking, the Kinus was fun!” said Mrs. Shoshana Heoxter, JGrads Chabad at the University of Pittsburgh. “I also left with many farbrengen-worthy conversations that I hope to continue. It was so precious experiencing this with friends.”
Another highlight was the “Mentor Meetings,” where Shluchos were given the opportunity to book one-on-one sessions with mentors, therapists, and specialists in various fields who were on site for the entire Kinus. Fields ranged from mental health professionals, to personal organizers, to chinuch experts, all the way to legal professionals to help guide navigating campus legal questions. An entire “Wellness Panel” with all the mental health professionals together provided a comforting and professional resource to a much-needed area of attention.
Other sessions addressed such topics as balancing Shlichus with family and the proper balance between management and delegation. Renowned speaker Rabbi Shais Taub visited to deliver a lecture about parenting.
Another popular workshop was on the topic of “Showing Up for Ourselves, Showing Up for Our Spouses,” a discussion that could only be handled with such deft and expertise as it was in the veteran hands of Mrs. Sara Marozov and Mrs. Rivky Slonim.
The most important element was the organic inspiration, strategizing, and learned practices that grew out of the reality of bringing so many talented, experienced, and enthused leaders together.
The Kinus concluded with a beautiful closing banquet. The keynote address was delivered by Mrs. Rivka Rochel Liberow of Chabad at Florida Atlantic University, with inspirational singing and dancing led by Bracha Jafee.
“Chabad on Campus International is truly grateful to have the opportunity to support this exceptional gathering of leaders,” Remarked Rabbi Yossy Gordon, CEO of Chabad on Campus International. “Above all, with the help of Hashem, the experiences and knowledge they have acquired here will undoubtedly ignite further growth and make a lasting impact in their respective places of Shlichus.”
“Being at the Kinus made me realize how important this Kinus is,” wrote a campus Shlucha on the group chat. “Seeing all of you and spending time together filled my bucket.”
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