By Yossi Weinstein
Over 30 newer Shluchim gathered in Crown Heights last week for a powerful day of training, connection, and inspiration. These shluchim are heading out to, or have already established roots in, places like New Jersey, Florida, France, Argentina, Russia, and beyond. The goal of the workshop was to help shluchim within their first seven years of shlichus understand the fundamentals of fundraising, communication, and strategy, while recognizing that fundraising is essentially about connecting with individuals and helping them make a meaningful difference.
“The Rebbe taught us that fundraising is a partnership, where the giver walks away with the zchus of real investment in the mission,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302, which hosted the event through its New Shliach Desk initiative. “When a community member is invited to build, they’re no longer bystanders, they become partners.. That’s one of the greatest opportunities a Shliach can offer.”
To help them begin their journey with clarity and confidence, the Shluchim participated in a full-day fundraising seminar led by Rabbi Elazar Green, Shliach to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and founder of Grow Gelt Solutions. The program focused on essential fundraising skills from identifying and approaching donors to crafting a compelling vision, cultivating lasting relationships, and creating a strong financial foundation for their work.
“The seminar was both engaging and innovative and gave a very clear and practical approach to fundraising,” said Rabbi Yehoshua Cohen, a new Shliach to Palm Harbor, Florida. “It inspired me to look forward to fundraising and not view it as a means to an end.”
For many participants, fundraising can feel like uncharted territory, something intimidating or unfamiliar. Through hands-on exercises, personal reflection, and open group discussions, the training helped reframe that mindset. Shluchim walked away not only with practical tools but with the understanding that fundraising is an opportunity to inspire others to join in their mission.
“Fundraising isn’t about taking,” Rabbi Green explained during one of the sessions. “It’s about inviting people to become part of something meaningful and eternal.”
The environment also gave Shluchim the chance to build relationships with one another, share ideas, and feel part of a broader network of support. That sense of community and shared purpose added a powerful layer to the experience.
The New Shliach Desk has trained over 200 new Shluchim through this program over the past five years. “For new Shluchim, this training is essential. Fundraising is the engine that powers their Shlichus, and this seminar gives them the mindset and tools to build something lasting from day one”, explained Rabbi Mendy Shanowitz, director of the New Shluchim Desk at Merkos 302. “This workshop has consistently paid off tenfold for Shluchim who take it and implement the tools taught within it.”
Following the seminar, participants will take part in a ten-week virtual follow-up series covering topics like donor retention, communication strategy, and time management. They will also remain connected through a peer network designed to foster continued learning and collaboration.
With renewed focus, practical skills, and a deepened sense of mission, these new Shluchim are now returning to their cities ready to begin. Together, they are lighting up the world, one community at a time.
