Photos: Itzik Roytman – Kinus.com
Tzippy Friedman arrived at the Kinus Hashluchos ready to absorb, reflect, and grow. As co-director of Chabad Young Professionals San Francisco alongside her husband, Rabbi Shmulik, her days are filled with community events, personal connections, and the constant balance of raising a family while tending to her Shlichus. After two years away, she was eager to fully engage in the workshops—seeking the guidance, camaraderie, and inspiration that the Kinus uniquely provides.
“The weekend was a whirlwind of connection and growth,” she reflected. “Hearing from fellow Shluchos, learning from their experiences, and absorbing the Rebbe’s guidance in real, practical ways—it recharged me for the year ahead.”
The Kinus workshops are the backbone of the conference. Carefully curated and structured, each session offers Shluchos tangible tools, relevant discussions, and an opportunity to address real-world challenges. Many of the participants, with infants in their arms, embodied the delicate balance of nurturing their own families while nurturing their communities, a scene that underscored the essence of their Shlichus.
Throughout the years, the complete Kinus program and sessions were submitted to the Rebbe. The Rebbe’s direct involvement, responding with encouragement and guidance, was a clear indication of the importance placed on this integral part of the Kinus.
This year’s lineup focused on the most pressing areas of Shlichus. “Back to Basics: The Gift of Chassidus in Raising Children” explored the fundamental teachings of the Rebbe on chinuch, providing practical tools for Shluchos raising families in the midst of their work. “CTeen Shluchos Recharge” provided a much-needed forum for those guiding Jewish teens through formative years, ensuring that the next generation remains deeply connected to their heritage.
For those on campus Shlichus, “Insights Across the Campus Shlichus Journey” featured seasoned Shluchos sharing firsthand experiences on engaging Jewish students, countering antisemitism, and providing a space for Jewish identity to flourish. Meanwhile, “The Last Mitzvah: Honoring the Body, Elevating the Soul” addressed the importance of proper Jewish burial and strategies to prevent cremation, a growing challenge in many communities.
Shluchos looking to engage entire families participated in “Whole Family Shlichus: Going Beyond Youth”, which emphasized strategies to ensure that programming extends beyond children and creates meaningful connections for parents and entire households.
From veteran Shluchos to those just beginning, every workshop reinforced a key truth: no one is alone in their mission. “Small Community, Big Impact” provided Shluchos in less centralized areas with strategies to strengthen their communities, ensuring every Jew feels connected and supported.
“The Rebbe entrusted the Shluchos with uplifting their communities, all while raising a family of their own,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, director of the Kinus Hashluchos. “We hope these workshops provide the knowledge, support, and encouragement to continue that mission with renewed energy and practical tools.”
As the Kinus concludes, the Shluchos return home with new strategies, the inspiration of fellow leaders, the clarity of the Rebbe’s teachings, and the conviction that their work shapes the future of Jewish life.
For Tzippy Friedman, the message was clear: “My bucket is overflowing, and now I’m ready to serve my community with joy, preparing the world for Moshiach.”
Shluchos can click here to watch the recordings of the Kinus workshops.
