A special edition of the monthly COLlive Magazine was released as thousands of Shluchim stream into Crown Heights for the 5786 International Kinus Hashluchim.
This issue’s cover story spotlights Rabbi Yechezkel Sofer, a pioneering campus Shliach whose life’s journey stretched from underground Tanya classes in Yerushalayim to transforming university students across Israel and the world. The message he shares feels especially urgent as Shluchim confront a generation searching for meaning beneath the noise.
Ilan Smith, the frum illusionist from New Haven, is reshaping what Jewish entertainment can look like, carrying his black hat and tzitzis onto stages from Las Vegas to Johannesburg. His story blends wonder, discipline, and the courage to stand as a proud Jew.
We step back in time to honor the chossid Reb Bentche Shemtov OBM, whose 50th yahrzeit invites a look at a dynasty of Shlichus shaped by sacrifice and hiskashrus. His descendants now serve communities from London to Michigan, each carrying a spark of his fire.
And in a deeply personal narrative, Mrs. Suzanne Dykler of Montreal recounts the childhood moment that anchored her lifelong desire to thank the Rebbe. It’s a story that embodies what so many feel during Kinus: that the Rebbe’s care reaches places we didn’t even realize needed reaching.
Practically speaking, Yanky Blau of Landmark Funding in Crown Heights discusses how to navigate the mortgage maze and what you need to know to get one.
This issue features a pull-out map of the kosher restaurants of Crown Heights. It is the most up-to-date guide to finding eateries and cafés in the neighborhood.
The issue also includes 9 Yud Tes Kislev moments with the Rebbe, Sruly Meyer’s Shabbos recipes, Chinuch insights by Mrs. Yeduda Wolfe, Sari Kopitnikoff’s kids activities and Mordechai Schmutter’s always-sharp observations.
The magazine is available for reading online. Printed copies are available in Crown Heights stores or by subscribing at COLlive.com/Magazine for home mailing.
The map looks great