Don’t Let Another Shliach’s Child Be Alone

By Moshe

From the depths of my heart, I write these words.

On Thursday night, thousands of parents went to bed — and although they were exhausted, they could not close their eyes or stop thinking about their children. Children who are far away, studying in educational institutions far away from home.

Another case of social exclusion. Another deep wound lodged in a child’s heart. And tragically, sometimes it ends in an unimaginable loss.

What makes this especially painful is that we’re speaking of parents who are dedicating their lives to shlichus — to the mission of reaching out, of serving, of giving for the sake of the Jewish people and the Rebbe’s call to touch every Jewish soul.

These are parents who raise their children without the support of a stable close community or extended family, living far from home in the spirit of self-sacrifice. Because of Shlichus they must send their children at a young age to a distant educational institution, so that the children might grow in the proper spiritual and educational environment.

And their hearts remain awake, praying, hoping — that their child, far away, senses the love. That someone sees them. That someone cares.

But the reality is often different.

A few weeks ago I received a call from a shliach in Europe. His daughter studies in Eretz Yisroel, and he shared with me that every single Thursday/Friday he must find a place for her to stay for Shabbat. While he and his wife are busy hosting countless guests in their home — with open doors and generous hearts — he himself is forced to search for distant relatives or friends of friends who will take care of his daughter.

How much pain is contained in that. What a contradiction.

The children of shluchim — the Rebbe’s children — born and raised with devotion, far from the warmth of a familiar, nearby Jewish community, some never experienced physical social interaction with friends or classmates — only want a bit of home, a bit of warmth, a bit of caring.

Today, there are over 3,000 sons and daughters of shluchim studying in educational institutions all around the world — far from home: in Israel, Paris, London, Montreal, Los Angeles, New York, Australia, South Africa, and many more cities.

Each of them would be happy for someone to open their door and invite them for Shabbat — to see them, to make them feel that they have another home — a warm home.

If your child’s class, in yeshiva, high school or seminary, includes a child of shluchim — adopt them. Invite them for Shabbat, for a holiday, or simply an evening at home. Ask about them, check in, pay attention.

Sometimes a small gesture can save a soul.

If you know children of your friends in your city or region — take the initiative. Show care. Be the listening ear, the open heart, the second home.

Only in this way can we prevent the next tragedy.

Only in this way can we prove that the chassidic heart does not belong only to the field of shlichus, but also to the home, the children, the future.

This is the greatest gift and the true partnership of Issachar and Zevulun — which each of us can give to every shliach, wherever he may be.

Written in tears, by a shliach in a remote community, and a parent to several children who are educated around the world.