One of the greatest and most unavoidable challenges in life, particularly in Shlichus, is maintaining the initial passion and vibrancy that Shluchim and Shluchos felt when they first began their Shlichus. As they face the growing demands and responsibilities of marriage, family, and community, their Shlichus can become overwhelming. These pressures often lead to deterioration both externally—in their work within their community and familial relationships—and internally, affecting their authenticity and joy, growth, and hiskashrus. What makes this even more difficult, is that it’s not spoken much about.
Recognizing this trend, Rabbi Peretz and Chanie Chein launched M54 Shlichus to address these challenges. The couple leads Chabad at Brandeis University near Boston, Massachusetts.
M54 – The Institute for Insourcing עבודה פנימית equips individuals with the skills needed to face life’s challenges with vitality and purpose. Through the lens of Chassidus, organizational change, and personal growth, participants learn to build a strong inner world. Without these skills, one’s inner strength can diminish, leading to unhealthy decisions, self-deception, and lethargy—conditions that are difficult to recover from. M54 offers separate cohort experiences for Shluchos and Shluchim that are designed for participants to learn and internalize these skills and tools.
To date, M54 has successfully completed five M54 Shlichus Cohorts, three for Shluchos and two for Shluchim, and two cohorts of the Fellowship for Avoda Pnimis. M54 is currently accepting applications for four new M54 Shlichus Cohorts—two for Shluchim and two for Shluchos, with up to ten participants in each cohort. Rabbi Chein leads the Shluchim cohorts, and Mrs. Chein leads the Shluchos cohorts.
As one M54 Shlichus participant describes, “M54 Shlichus provides continuing education for Shluchim and Shluchos in a structured environment that allows them to explore their whole selves in an authentically guided way. It fosters living a wholesome, vibrant life as a human, Jew, Chossid, and Shliach.”
The cohort meets every two weeks for 15 Zoom sessions, each lasting 90 minutes, and includes a 3-4 day in-person retreat. Participants receive a comprehensive handbook that guides them through the entire program, and by the conclusion of the program, participants will have a clear understanding of the process and practice of Avoda Pnimis.
M54 Shlichus is open to all Shluchim and Shluchos, with preference given to those with approximately ten years of experience or more. Recognizing that Chabad Houses are run by couples, it is recommended that both the Shliach and Shlucha participate in a M54 Shlichus Cohort to develop a shared language of reflection and growth.
For more information and to apply, please visit www.m54.org/adults.
VIDEO:
Rabbi Peretz and Chanie Chein were recently interviewed on the podcast Homesick for Lubavitch, where they delved into core ideas and values that drive M54 Shlichus
Ketivah Vachatimah Tovah
It would be amazing if such a thing were formed for Anash. It is frustrating that such opportunities can only be found outside of the chabad community.
Our intention is to iy’h expand this program beyond Shluchim and Shluchos.
Peretz and Chanie Chein