Photos: Itzik Roytman
Nearly 100 shluchim from across the Mid-Atlantic region gathered at Chabad of Princeton University for the annual Mid-Atlantic Kinus Hashluchim. The summit, hosted in the newly renovated Scharf Family Chabad House at Princeton University, brought together shluchim from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C to address how to expand their activities and reach every Jewish family in their communities.
The conference enabled the Rabbis to connect, network, and support one another in their shared shlichus. The day began with chavrusas of Shluchim studying a sicha of the Rebbe as featured in Project Likkutei Sichos, about the transformative ability that Hashem gave to the Jewish people. Rabbi Moshe Gourarie of Toms River, NJ then taught an in-depth analysis of the sicha.
Workshops then turned to innovative ways of leveraging emerging technologies in Jewish education. Mr. Aaron Wolko of TorahVR led an experiential workshop showcasing how virtual reality can be implemented in both adult and youth programming at Chabad centers.
A key focus of the conference was addressing the recent events in Israel on October 7th, and how Chabad houses should appropriately commemorate this during the upcoming High Holidays and Sukkos festivals. Rabbi Chuni Vogel, Head Shliach to Delaware, and Rabbi Mayer Gurkov of Passaic County, NJ, facilitated an open discussion, sharing ideas on how to maintain a spirit of resilience and hope.
Rabbi Sholom Shuchat, Rosh Kolel of Kolel L’horaah Ma’asis then led a halacha session on the practical application of Shabbos laws within the Chabad house setting. This was followed by a walking tour of the Princeton University campus, allowing the Rabbis to connect with the local community, alumni and faculty.
When the group reconvened, Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of Merkos 302 led the “Tzav Hasha’a- Call of The Hour” brainstorm session addressing the pressing challenges facing Shluchim and their communities. Plans were laid out for new cooperative programming enabling Shluchim to connect with more Jewish families in their areas. “The Rebbe always encouraged us to create such gatherings and learn from one another. It’s incredible to see the new faces each year, and how Shlichus continues to grow stronger and stronger,” he remarked.
This was followed by a Shluchim Roundtable “Ice-Breaker” session, where the Rabbis got to know their fellow shluchim in an entertaining and unique manner, directed by Rabbi Avi Richler, of Gloucester County, NJ.
Insurance expert Mr. Achiezer Langsam led a session on managing insurance costs and coverage for Chabad houses, providing crucial guidance on navigating this complex necessity.
The conference culminated with a banquet celebration, emceed by Rabbi Eitan Webb of Chabad Princeton University. The evening opened with Tehillim recitation in the merit of the safety of Eretz Yisroel, read by Rabbi Shua Hecht of American University, Washington DC, and a Dvar Torah by Rabbi Shaya Gourarie of Fredericksburg, VA. The guest address was by Mr. Andrew Bogorad, a graduate of Princeton University, who shared with the Shluchim his personal story, a small glimpse of the impact they are having on the lives of young Jews worldwide.
Rabbi Yisroel Kotlarsky of Chabad of Lafayette Hill, PA gave the keynote address and the evening concluded with a spirited Chassidishe farbrengen led by Rabbi Shmuel Kaplan, Head Shliach of Maryland.
“This Kinus provided a critical platform,” remarked host Shliach, Rabbi Eitan Webb. “These Shluchim have been at the front lines of supporting families and community members against the tides of antisemitism. This conference was an opportunity to support one another in their tireless work, drawing strength in familiar company. This quality time is crucial for their continued work.”
As the shluchim returned to their respective communities, they carried a spirit of camaraderie and a reminder of the mission they share with numerous others in their region and beyond. They may have few opportunities to connect in person but they are all on the same team, furthering the Rebbe’s teachings and fostering Jewish engagement in their local communities for years to come.
The Kinus was made possible by Merkos 302 and the Vaad HaKinus:
Rabbi Schneur Nejar
Rabbi Eitan Webb
Rabbi Levi Azimov
Rabbi Moshe Gourarie
Rabbi Mendy Mangel
Rabbi Sholom Raichik
Rabbi Avi Richler
Rabbi Moshe Meir Vogel
