By COLlive staff
Photos: Itzik Belenitzki/Kinus.com
A full day of sessions and programming culminated Thursday night with a general session and dinner at the International Kinus Hashluchos held in Brooklyn, New York.
Thousands of shluchos gathered at the Bedford Armory for an evening focused on finding strength when shlichus takes an unexpected turn, featuring stories of shluchos who had to start anew or found and created fresh meaning in their shlichus.
The program began with Tehillim for the safety and security of the shluchim and shluchos, and for all of Klal Yisroel. The first kapital was recited by Mrs. Amira Nagar of Yad Binyamin, Israel, representing the shluchos of Eretz Yisroel. She spoke about her former shlichus in Gush Katif before relocating to Yad Binyamin.
Next was Mrs. Rus Feldman of Russia, representing the shluchos of Russia. She shared that she and her husband would soon be embarking on shlichus to Obninsk, Russia. Kapitel Chof was then led by Mrs. Rivky Levatansky of Sumy, Ukraine, who noted that this same kapitel accompanied her and her family through “sirens, rockets, and explosions.” She expressed gratitude to Hashem for protecting them and giving them the strength to continue their shlichus under challenging conditions.
A video segment followed, featuring shluchos from around the world sharing “Why we come to the Kinus.” They spoke about the feeling of unity and sisterhood, reconnecting in person after months of virtual contact, and having space to be honest about the challenges of shlichus. Recognition was then given to the Vaad HaKinus, acknowledging that these mothers and community leaders dedicate countless hours over many months to make the Kinus possible.
The opening address was delivered by Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Director of the International Conference of Shluchos, who welcomed the shluchos and spoke about the importance of the Kinus. He reflected on the distinctive mission given to Jewish women beginning at Matan Torah and continuing through the Rebbe’s shlichus, emphasizing their role in carrying the essence of the mission forward.
The video presentation and subsequent speeches focused on the theme of renewal, how when one door closes, another opens, and how shlichus evolves with changing circumstances. This was powerfully illustrated by Mrs. Chana Eidelkopf of Podgorica, Montenegro, who described how her shlichus restarted after being expelled from Russia.
A short “60 Seconds With” video segment featured Mrs. Sarale Goldschmid of Ko Samui, Thailand, and Mrs. Avigayil Louzouno of Foshan, China, offering brief, rapid-fire reflections on their experiences.
Another video segment explored the theme of “Who Changed My Shlichus,” highlighting the stories of Mrs. Chana Gurary of Toms River, New Jersey; Mrs. Tzippy Kozlovsky of Tbilisi, Georgia; and Mrs. Perel Krasnjansky of Honolulu, Hawaii. This was followed by another “60 Seconds With” segment featuring Mrs. Pessi Gansburg and Mrs. Chana Gansburg of São Paulo, Brazil.
“How do you remain energized when the routine is just… routine?” That question was addressed by Mrs. Simcha Abergel of Singapore. She spoke candidly about her initial apprehension of going on shlichus and how, over time, she discovered deep purpose in every encounter — even when life felt quiet and unremarkable.
Renewal, she explained, comes from seeing familiar situations with fresh eyes and through small daily acts of care: a teen finding direction, a guest feeling seen. She spoke candidly about hard questions every shlucha faces and encouraged younger shluchos, reminding them that showing up again and again is the truest expression of resilience.
The final speaker, Mrs. Shaunie Meyer of Charlottesville, Virginia, spoke on the theme of “a new beginning, preserving the excitement.” She shared personal reflections from her own shlichus and urged shluchos to “take one moment from this Kinus and put it in a jar, so when you’re tired, you can open it, breathe, and be renewed again.
The message of the evening was clear: change is not an interruption to shlichus, it is part of the journey. Whether starting over in a new country, finding fresh energy in familiar routines, or navigating unexpected challenges, shluchos left the session with a renewed understanding that resilience is built one day at a time, one moment at a time.
Following the dinner, the Rebbe’s room at 770 Eastern Parkway was opened, giving shluchos the opportunity to daven for their communities and their continued shlichus.
