Set against the backdrop of unprecedented challenges facing Jewish communities worldwide, the annual full-day Youth Summit at the International Kinus Hashluchim brings together Shluchim focused on younger demographics for an intensive day of collaboration, community building and education.
For Rabbi Sholom Block of Plano, Texas, reaching today’s Jewish youth means constantly innovating while staying true to timeless values. “In an era where young people are searching for authenticity and connection more than ever, we need to be both creative and grounded,” he notes, capturing the spirit behind this year’s timely Youth Summit at the Kinus Hashluchim.
“The Rebbe constantly emphasized the goal of the Kinus being Ish Es Re’eihu Yazoru. The more we can create focus groups to connect shluchim who understand each others challenges and opportunities the more they can support one another,” explains Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, director of the Kinus and Chairman of CTeen and CKids International, describing the seminar’s innovative format. “The goal is that sense of community should continue the entire year.”
The summit emerged from grassroots demands, with a team of youth focused Shlichus veterans including Rabbi Chaim Ozer Metal, of Las Vegas, Rabbi Zalman Baumgarten, of Great Neck, Rabbi Shloimie Adler, of Springfield, Virginia, Rabbi Zalmy Loewenthal of CKids International at Merkos 302, and Rabbi Shimon Rivkin of CTeen International at Merkos 302, crafting a program that addresses real-world challenges faced by these youth-focused emissaries.
Morning sessions dive straight into practical solutions. A dynamic CKids roundtable led by Rabbi Meir Simon of Denver, CO and Rabbi Sholom Block tackles essential issues in camp and Hebrew school programming, from recruitment strategies to family engagement. Simultaneously, CTeen leaders explore innovative approaches to high school outreach, with Rabbi Chaim Shemtov of Bucks County and Rabbi Shloimie Adler sharing proven methods for establishing successful school clubs and maintaining program vitality.
The afternoon features a crucial session addressing the complex realities of modern Jewish family life. Rabbi Mordechai Farkash of Bellevue, Washington, guided by moderator Rabbi Chaim Ozer Metal, will lead shluchim through the delicate navigation of mixed marriages and divorced families within youth programs, offering clear halachic perspectives for contemporary scenarios.
A unique “Shluchim Hot Seat” session, moderated by Rabbi Levi Mentz of Cumming, Georgia, transforms common challenges into opportunities for collaborative problem-solving. The interactive format encourages direct peer-to-peer support and practical solution sharing.
The summit builds toward a capstone session that speaks to the heart of current challenges. Veteran educator and Shliach Rabbi Shmuel Lew, with moderator Rabbi Yitchok Kahan of Medford, NJ will share insights on “Raising Strong Children in a Diverse World,” drawing from the Rebbe’s guidance to address how young people can maintain unwavering Jewish identity while engaging with broader society.
Rabbi Moshe Rapoport of Mequon, WI joins Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky for a special lunchtime session on “Immersive Programming: Its Significance,” adding another layer of practical wisdom to the day’s proceedings.
For Rabbi Shloimie Adler of Springfield, Virginia, the Youth Summit serves as both an educational event and a vital opportunity to connect. “It’s a space to recharge, to share challenges and successes with others who truly understand the realities of youth-focused Shlichus,” he shared. Rabbi Adler, like many attending Shluchim, looks forward to gaining practical tools and renewed inspiration.
The Youth Summit at the Kinus Hashluchim will take place at Aguda Shul – 456 Crown Street, on Thursday 27 Cheshvan November 28, from 11:30AM-12:30PM.
