By Rabbi Shimon Posner – Chabad of Rancho Mirage, California
So the often-voiced question of surplus yungerleit for Shlichus positions has been confined to print and bearing in mind my mother’s admonition “if you don’t say something, people can think you’re agreeing with them,” I gingerly approach a topic where angels tread lightly.
When I entered Kollel, shortly after our wedding, there was a guy on his way out of Kollel who went through every city on the map and showed conclusively that there are no places left to go on shlichus, so he ended up pursuing other interests.
That was in 1988.
He wasn’t wrong, technically. All of the cities with a Jewish population to speak of were accounted for.
How was he to know that with glasnost/perestroika were already clandestinely well underway, that within months, Shluchim would be clandestinely on the way over?
How was he to know that the Far East was to be fertile, untapped ground for a heretofore untapped market of post-army Israeli backpackers?
How was he to know that there was this new technology where people sit at their desks and “kinda-like send faxes to each other, but it’s not really like faxes”? R’ Yossi Kazen OBM would meet me outside 770 on Friday nights with printouts of conversations he’d be having with people all over the world. It seemed interesting that there were so many like-minded geeks, but I totally missed recognizing the advent of the internet and Chabad.org? How was I to know?
This guy, leaving Kollel at a time he believed that new places of Shichus weren’t in existence, was not wrong — technically. The oft-told quote that probably was never said has the Commissioner of US Patents ready to close the office because “there is nothing left to invent.” That was (supposedly) in 1899. The point is, that opportunity is always there for those who follow it, be it in the markets, medicine or… Shlichus.
And to follow Shlichus — to truly be adamant that it must be done — it needs to burn deep in the belly. Not “if I can” and “if things work out.” Yes, I know the anticipatory twinkle in the eyes of a fresh Kollel yungerman telling me he’s “looking into things.” I know the lump in the throat of a two-year married yungerman who approaches me to see if I “have anything” for him. I know the three-year married yungerman’s desperate look in his eyes and I know the four-year married yungerman’s fallen look in his eyes. And I know I have not seen him since. His more boisterous counterpart confronts me with “why you and not me? Why is your blood redder than mine?”
I don’t have answers to either of them. I can say (with reservation) that their energy, their disappoint, poignantly reminds me that what I am doing is important.
Then there are those who think that Shlichus is a birthright, akin to joining the family business. I’ve met a fair number of men who entered their family businesses. Some think they are going to “take it to the next level” without having any clue what the foundation was or even that there was one. Some get braggadocios and others depressed (related conditions) at realizing that they won’t be replicating their dad, whom they either adore or despise. In extreme cases, they give up.
Their mistake is simple and often overlooked. The market is constantly shifting and new talent and new means are constantly affecting your products and services. You never inherit a business as much as, by way of inheritance, you get a foot in the door. Whether they know it or not, if they think that arrival is designated by birth rather than by achievement, the market will overtake and replace them in quick order. And if this is true in the market, how much more so in the marketplace of ideas? How much more so on Shlichus.
What is Shlichus? Today’s Parshas Vayeira gives us a good insight into Hashem’s narrative of Avraham, “Ki ye’daytiv, for I have known him, that he commands his sons and his household after him, that they should keep the way of the L_rd to perform righteousness and justice.” It is a home imbued with the intimacy evoked in the word yidaytiv, where chassidishe nigunim prevail, a home that exudes a quest for menschlichkeit. These are not inherited, these are developed, and percolated through the ups and downs of life by a resolve to integrity.
I do not know why these yungerleit have to suffer so. It evokes the image of the chossid who was told he must be a baal agolah because in some far-off kretchmeh awaits a soul that he must touch with his anguished Krias Shemah.
My zaide, R’ Sholom Posner was a Shliach in Pittsburgh (I’m not sure if the title Shliach existed at that time). He succeeded in changing the face of the city. He became affectionately recognized as the Z‘kan, the elder of the Shluchim. He arrived in Pittsburgh when he was over 50 years old.
The message is the same for those longing for Shlichus and those smugly, naively, ensconced in it. Who said we were meant to be comfortable? Who said we were to be content in our lives and arrive at our station? Is not the fire in the belly preferred? Not simply because this, the market rewards and complacency it denies, is not anguish, the ‘what I would want it be’, rather than the ‘what is’, hallmark of Chassidus? The preference of our gehinnom to the gan-eden of the unschooled? Are we not suffering from the addiction of the comfort zone, junkies of serenity?
Yes, these things are all brochos, but is not a bracha an inherent challenge?
Rabbi Chaim Mordechai Hadakov once called my father (Rabbi Zalman Posner) late at night, if I’m not mistaken, he woke him up.
“Reb Zalman, do you have a Jewish school in Nashville?”
Yes, my father answered.
“Reb Zalman, are all the Jewish children in Nashville in the school?”
And he hung up the phone.
Don’t try this at home. Rabbi Hadakov could get away with it because he adored my father and let him know it. Famously curt and stoic, when he saw my father he reached up and placed his hands around his neck.
The message is worthy. A sense of displacement, of dissatisfaction, of anguish that why can’t I do more, why can’t I do better, is all-powerful. (If you find yourself conflating anguish with depression -which we all do from time to time- there’s this book out called The Tanya that teases out the nuance between the two. Good read.)
Rabbi Mordechai Mentlik OBM, farbrenging in 770, once burst into tears and in anguish cried, “I don’t know how to explain it, but it must be different, ess muz zein andersh!!!”
And from there, wherever we stand in life, we march forward, besmicha, as Chassidim.
I don’t think the issue is that there are “no opportunities left”. The issue is that the opportunities left are for the most part reserved for family, or those connected.
Unless you consider it a viable shlichus to answer emails, or run a C-teen chapter with a list of restrictions that limit how successful you can be…
I’m not a “hater” I’m just pointing out the reality that for most young lubavitchers, it would be setting them up for failure to pretend that there are unlimited shlichus opportunities / where they can be supported financially.
In his article, Rabbi Gershon Avtzon puts forth the downside of this pro-shlichus rhetoric. Yungerlite often dismiss high-quality career and life paths because they hope to one day “find shlichus.” Talented newly-married couples turn down positions in education, for example, because they “can’t commit to anything at the moment.” And that has catastrophic results, Rabbi Avtzon argues. Some of these couples have three kids while they’re living in one-bedroom apartments, waiting for “the right opportunity.” Rabbi Posner makes the case that, along with the changes in the world, there’s always going to be room for new styles of shlichus. That’s… Read more »
Ditto!!!
Also do not forget to mention many families in CH who are shluchim! Many who host people for meals when they are struggling to pay rent or tuition.
We are all chasidim, we are all shluchim!
This “everybody is a shliach” is so babyish! If having a spiritual mission in the world makes you a shliach, then why weren’t people called shluchim 200 years ago? Besides, shliach just means “agent,” and the Rebbe referred to people who went out to far-off communities as his agents, not people who followed his directives; the latter group is called chassidim.
It seems like even those who are against pushing our bachurim and girls to go out on shlichus are afraid to admit that some people aren’t shluchim. This intellectual dishonesty is immature and somewhat laughable.
Cheers
The problem is that we need to teach our children that shlichus is more of a mindset then going all out to yehupitzvil. Ppl go to be businessmen and think “I can’t do shlichus cuz I’m not ‘on shlichus’.” That’s a problem. They are a shliach they can bring ppl closer to yiddishkeit in their office and after work and by doing so many other things. Obviously the ppl who are sacrificing everything they have and aren’t living comfortable lives and their children can’t go to live school – yes they are doing incredible things, insane things. They have kinus… Read more »
“I can’t do shlichus cuz I’m not ‘on shlichus’.” That’s a problem.
No. Dozens, if not hundreds of couples and their future families being delusional and ruining their lives on a shlichus pipedream, now that’s a problem.
None sense. You can be a chossid , yet not a shliach. As it happened once by a kinus , the Rebbe didn’t give a kuntres to a particular chossid, and said that he is also not taking, being not a shliach
Look at the logic:
There are girls who dismiss high-quality career and life paths because they hope to one day get married. Years go by and they’re still waiting.
Maybe we should change our chinuch so that people stop expecting to get married.
BRILLIANTLY SAID
There are actually small cities that still need shluchim. I always thought what you’re saying and then got introduced to “shlichus positions for men” group chat for long term positions. Was shocked to find head shluchim seeking to bring down couples to run communities of their own. If you’re actually interested, it’s out there.
In the Rebbes own words there is Kav Shelow and 9 kavim shel chavero. The Rebbe spoke aboutmany time to the shuchim each person has there contribution you need to look at little deeper in your self to see what you can contribute. I have rarely ever work for others but always found a way if be in a hospital visiting patients doing specal avents for balei batim bas mitzvohs bar mitzvohs you must look at it like a visionary
if you take a peek in the sicha of chayei sarah 5752, you’ll get a very clear picture of what the rebbe is asking from us now!!!, its different from 50 years ago. Every single yid is a shlich from Hashem to make this world a better place, now more than ever is when we are finishing, we must grab every moment to make this world a better place. and if you are looking for a physical place to fulfill your shlichus feel free to reply to this comment and I will be”h show you how there are many places… Read more »
Let’s see.
It’s amazing that we have reached a time where the world is so full of shluchim, that families can’t even go out anymore. Certainly better than a world where there are still Jews without access to Torah. So the crisis is: what can you do in a world that has been conquered already? The Rebbe sent out shluchim in a time when world Jewry was completely deprived. The fact that we have succeeded, and come to an era that a uneducated Jew can find a rabbi wherever he is, means that we have succeeded in addressing the largest emergency of… Read more »
Beautiful article, so we’ll said. One thing missing is the shlichus that’s available right here in crown heights that is so often overlooked. How many times has a highly qualified teacher, who influenced so many students positively, upped and left crown heights to go on shlichus/teaching out of town? Why is teaching Anash children out of town more glorified than teaching our own in crown heights? The rebbe clearly said that teachers should be in the shluchim album, indicating that teaching our own is a shlichus too. This is what needs to be emphasized in our schools! Chinuch is shlichus… Read more »
Wells said, and very true.
This is absolutely true, and arguably the area of Shlichus with the most need and openings in our generation. We require our best and brightest to devote their energies, talents and love to the children of community. And so, it’s time we face the truth of the message we have been sending: Despite the Rebbe including “Shluchim bisdei haChinuch” in the Sefer Hashluchim; Despite the urgency of the matter, the unprecedented crisis of a dearth of teachers and principals in schools for boys and girls of all ages; Despite the astounding mesirus nefesh it requires to go into Chinuch within… Read more »
Chabad has mekuravim all over the world! Where will they send their children for high school, seminary, yeshiva? Every good mossad has twice the applicants that they can accept. (It is even hard to get accepred to a good summer camp)
The shortage of mechanchim may lead to higher salaries and benefits, especially free tuition for their children. Let’s make chinuch a prestigious career for Lubavitch.
In NY, NJ, and CT alone another 100 shluchim can move down without effecting their neighbors.
If we want to help the next generation, let’s stop writing articles, let’s open up our hidden spots.
Ummm… not sure what your talking about.. I live in one of those states and that’s farthest from the truth I think all these articles is looking at the “grass is greener on the other side” There are kids who work for their parents and have it hard they wish they never moved down, there are shluchim living ontop of each other with no way to fundraise a proper salary.. Let’s not kid ourselves it’s not rosy anyway you slice it.. the zchus to be a shliach of the Rebbe should be the focus, the minute the ego mixes in..… Read more »
You are right, but this is not the point here.
There are plenty of unserviced cities, with no shliach yet, I would spell them out here if this wasn’t a public form.
But trust me the second “competition” comes to these areas suddenly the shliach will find someone to bring.
There are 1000s of Jewish soldiers spread throughout all branches of the military and a handful of Chabad chaplains.
Full time or reserve duty is an option.
Till Moshiach is here… keep your eye on the goal!!
I have heard from many Shluchim that they can easily use a few more Shluchim with them (even after putting their family members as Shluchim…). The problem is that there are no sufficient funds to support them. A multi-million fund must be established to support new Shluchim for the first year or two. We must make a partnership, similar to Yisochor and Zevulon. There are many yungeleit who, bezras Hashem, have been very successful in business. A grand campaign must be launched, to place the support for new Shluchim in the forefront on a priority basis, for all Anash worldwide.… Read more »
My challenge to the community would be to support chinuch with at least double the amount and enthusiasm as you describe.
Let’s start in NYC…. Probably easily another 30 shluchim tomorrow ….. I alone can list 100 places additionally worldwide that need Shluchim
it would be so wonderful if there were Shluchim posted in the Greater Chassidishe shuls to introduce Chassidus teachings to the shul members.
Only a few articles down from this one on COL, is the announcement of new Shluchim to Utah: Rabbi Chaim and Esty Zippel.
Hatzlocha Rabba!
Children of the local shluchim…
You can help launch at Charidy.com/utahcounty 😉
Shlichus is to mikabel pinei moshiach
Whatever your painpaoint is – that’s your shlichus to change that…
And so full of politics and machlokes that thousands of Yidden are not being reached because one of them might give money to the wrong person. Tayere brider, der Aibershter holds the key to parnasa. He has the money to support all the Shluchim. If you think parnasa is your responsibility you will chase it with unnecessary agmas nefesh because you cannot catch it no matter what you do. But if you acknowledge that it is in the hands of Hashem you can make a keili and then get to the real work of hafatzas hmaayanos. There is so much… Read more »
This year’s Yud Alef Nissan resolution was the inspiration to EMBRACE 1210 NEW Shluchim,
Next year – for sure Malim BaKodesh!
If every place is filled then where’s moshiach? If this is what we have come to “complain” about- We got to every corner-what’s going on? Ad mosai!
I just want to commend the author on a great piece. Braggadocio – you don’t see that word used often. Yes, let’s make chinuch our next focus in shlichus. Maybe the writer would even consider teaching a writing class?
🙂
I think another point that must be looked at is: when I was a bochur in zal 15 years ago there was this feeling amongst the bochurim that either you’re a shliach or you’re a bum. This has led to negative things amongst our youngerlite where they feel that they do not fit the cut and therefore they chill out. . I think the chinuch to all bochurim has to be that yes shlichus is the focus, however what ever you do you can be a shliach. Even a working person, you have to see your that role, your job… Read more »
Why is it so hard for us to admit we made a mistake? “feeling amongst the bochurim that either you’re a shliach or you’re a bum” This right here is a poison that is cultivated in our schools. I never wanted to go on shlichus and boruch Hashem I’m quite happy with the decisions I made in life. The pressure I was under from Mashpiim and Roshei Yeshivas when I confided in them that I don’t plan on going on shlichus was relentless. Thank G-d I was able to withstand it or I’d be living in misery today like I… Read more »
There are also many places that have Shluchim who would rather be in business but are “stuck” on Shlichus because they can’t afford to change careers. Many of these Shluchim are miserable day in and day out because they took on a Shlichus that didn’t fit their Kishroynos and going into business in their day was frowned upon. One of the next frontiers of Shlichus should be to establish a discreet support group and fund that would provide financial support to allow these Shluchim who desire to restart their lives in business to leave get a degree and be able… Read more »
Rabbi Ponser is living in lala land and ignoring the reality on the ground that more than 50% of the couples will simply not go on shlichus. Given that reality, we need to educate our children to be the best people and chassidim for the life that they are going to live, i.e not one of shlichus. Rabbi Avtzon’s point is that we are not doing that. That, is a tragedy. Finally, Posner’s idea that “if you really wanted, you would be a shliach”, reinforces the very point Avtzon was addressing: that our system, including articles like Posner’s, tells our… Read more »
You say: the reality on the ground that more than 50% of the couples will simply not go on shlichus.
That is a LIE!!! The reality is that more than 99% of couples will simply not go on shlichus.
From the few hundred couples married each year, barely a couple of dozen leave for shlichus each year. That’s 10%, if at all.
And then there are the couple RETURNING from failed shlichus.
90% not going is a conservative number!
Shlichus is spreading chassidus. If all the Chabad house slots are so to speak filled, then no we can focus on the spreading Chassidus part, and work in frum communities. And as many people mentioned, the Chinuch system! And for us all to have shlichus mindset wherever we find ourselves, as chassidim of the Rebbe. At the same time, I definitely have seen that if a couple is 1000% determined to get shlichus and is open minded to the mesirus nefesh, there are still options. Where is the mesirus nefesh of the earlier chassidim? From what I hear, they did… Read more »
Only people who are officially recognized by Merkos are Shluchim. They are invited to come to the yearly shluchim convention.
All the rest are chassidim and/ or supporters even if they teach or spread chassidus.
For those that think that there’s is no more spots, Do yourself a favor look at this website which says the total number of Jews in every state. Then go on chabad.org and find how many shluchim there are in that a certain state. You will find the ratio in urban states like New York, New Jersey, Florida, California is over 8,000 Jews per Shliach. Is that sustainable?! We must conquer the world and the fact you can find a Karkafta walking in Manhattan not in yuppetsville, is the biggest proof that we have our work cut out for us!… Read more »
If you view shlichus as saving yidden drowning in assimilation, than BH and halevai all shlichus opportunities are taken! Because, isn’t the goal to save yidden rather than to go on shlichus so you can say “I have a great shlichus location”? Imagine people aren’t drowning, would you complain if no body is drowning anymore because YOU can’t save people from drowning? That would be insane not to focus on the goal that no body should drown rather than focusing on your on ego even if it’s a holy ego that “I” need to go on shlichus so that “I”… Read more »
Rabbi Posner,
Just a common Jew here who says: Thank G-d and the Rebbe for Shluchim. You, your father and his father change the world for good. It is a privilege to have known your father, and to be a part of the Chabad community.
P.L.
One of you talented Posner writers needs to write a book about your Zeide. What an inspiration waht a chosid … but we need to know more about him
It’s one thing to write an article. It’s a whole nother level to commit to teaching our children.
We really need guidance from mechanchim and principals on this matter, not shluchim.
45 Years ago I entered Military Service as a US Army Chaplain. This was just post Vietnam . and military morale was in the dumps . After the the famous sicha of Lag B’omer that everyone is in the fight to help the Yidden of EY,and to go out to reach Jews worldwide with tefilin and Shabbos candles , a group of Bochurim myself included went to an Army base 50 miles North of NYC . There on Sunday we conducted Jewish Services and put on Teffilin on Jewish members of the Miliary assigned to that base . Some of… Read more »