By COLlive reporter
Chabad Shluchim from across New York gathered for the annual regional Kinus in honor of Beis Iyar, the auspicious day on which the Tzeirei Agudas Chabad Hamerkozis (Tzach) was founded by the Rebbe in 5715.
This year’s gathering marked 71 years since the establishment of Tzach, the Lubavitch Youth Organization, which continues to serve as a central force in spreading Yiddishkeit and Chassidus throughout the world.
From its very inception, the Rebbe imbued Tzach with a clear mission: to approach every challenge with the bold and transformative mindset of “Lechatchila Ariber,” to rise above limitations from the outset.
The evening at the Jewish Children’s Museum in Crown Heights was dedicated to the memory of the Mazkir of Tzach, Rabbi Moshe Pesach Goldman OBM, whose lifelong commitment helped shape the organization from its earliest days.
The program opened with Rabbi Mendel Groner and Rabbi Shmuel Lipszyc reciting the Rebbe’s and Rebbetzin’s Kapitelach in Tehillim.
A video presentation followed, featuring the Rebbe explaining the directive of Rebbe Maharash—“Lechatchila Ariber”—and its practical application in daily life. A second sicha highlighted the Rebbe’s deep concern and love for Yidden in Eretz Yisroel, emphasizing how strengthening Torah and mitzvos strengthens and protects our people everywhere.
Serving as master of ceremonies, Rabbi Pesach Schmerling underscored that the very founding of Tzach was itself a living expression of “Lechatchila Ariber”—a call to action that continues to define the work of every shliach.
Throughout the evening, distinguished speakers shared heartfelt memories, historical perspectives, and practical guidance.
Rabbi Yossi Goldman reflected on the life of his father, Rabbi Moshe Pesach Goldman, recalling not only his leadership in organizing early peulos but his personal involvement in every aspect of the work. His integrity and sincerity, he noted, made him a unifying force—a man who brought people together with emes and sholom.
Rabbi Heshy Ceitlin of Seagate spoke movingly about his father-in-law, Rabbi Chaim Brikman OBM, longtime shliach of Seagate and member of the Tzach Vaad. He described a man of unwavering bitachon and calm, whose steady presence brought strength to those around him. Whether personally visiting community members’ homes on Rosh Hashanah or engaging in thoughtful discussion on a wide range of topics, Rabbi Brikman exemplified positivity and clarity.
Rabbi Itzik Schwartz shared a successful initiative in Sheepshead Bay, which was accomplished with the help of Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Cohen, the shliach to Sheepshead Bay, where, together with Anash from Crown Heights, thousands of homes have been reached—demonstrating how coordinated effort and ahavas yisroel can yield extraordinary results.
Rabbi Kasriel Kastel, longtime program director of Tzach, offered a glimpse into the organization’s early years, sharing personal memories of yechidus with the Rebbe and highlighting the powerful partnership between Tzach and the Shluchim. He also introduced a new grant initiative designed to further support shluchim in their holy work.
Rabbi Velvel Butman, head shliach to Westchester, spoke about the work and dedication of his father, Rabbi Shmuel Butman OBM, the longtime menahel of Tzach and his many accomplishments, which were always done in a way of “Lechatchila Ariber.”
Drawing from the Rebbe’s sichos, he emphasized the immense koach granted to every shliach. He recalled his father’s tireless efforts in organizing the annual Tzach Kinus, a gathering that strengthened unity and purpose among New York’s shluchim.
Rabbi Tuvia Teldon, head shliach to Long Island, introduced a new Tzach website (LYOny.org) that showcases the broad scope of activities from headquarters, as well as the work of over 200 shluchim operating under its umbrella.
The keynote address was delivered by Rabbi Chaim Shaul Brook, Director of Lahak Publicatoons, who offered a fascinating overview of the development and preservation of the Rebbe’s sichos and maamarim throughout the years of the Rebbe’s nesius. He highlighted Tzach’s vital role in the early publication of Likkutei Sichos and stressed the central importance the Rebbe placed on learning the sichos and maamarim.
He urged everyone present to ensure that not a single day passes without engaging in the Rebbe’s Torah—quoting the Rebbe’s own words, that there is no greater connection than through learning the sichos and maamarim.
In his closing remarks, the master of ceremonies expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Vaad of Tzach acknowledging Rabbi Kastel, Rabbi Shlomo Friedman, Rabbi Sholom Tenenbaum, Rabbi Teldon, and Rabbi Leibel Baumgarten for their tireless dedication and vision.
Special acknowledgment was given to Rabbi Yossi Butman for his efforts in organizing the evening, which stood as a true expression of “Sheves Achim Gam Yachad”—brothers united in purpose, and to Rabbi Friedman for helping to make the event a great success.
