Workshop Guides 100 Yungeleit Seeking the Path of Shlichus

Photos: Muli Berger

On Chai Elul, nearly 100 Yungelight gathered for a powerful and practical workshop titled “Looking to Move on Shlichus?” Presented by veteran Shlichus consultant Rabbi Aaron Herman. Organized by Merkos 302’s New Shluchim Desk. The event provided aspiring Shluchim with clarity, tools, and encouragement for pursuing the next chapter of their lives.

The evening began with a stirring video of the Rebbe speaking about the importance of Shlichus, which immediately set the tone for the evening.

“Workshops like these give the younger generation the confidence and clarity they need to find the Shlichus that’s right for them,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302. “The Rebbe’s vision is for every Jew to be reached, and our responsibility is to help each new Shliach find where they can thrive.”

One of the highlights of the evening was the announcement of a new Shlichus portal, now in its early beta stage. Young couples will be able to create profiles describing the type of Shlichus they are looking for, while shluchim can post the roles they need filled. The system will then match them, taking into account personality and style as well as practical needs. It is a project designed to make finding the right fit easier for both sides.

The main session was led by Rabbi Aaron Herman, who drew from his years of experience advising and mediating for shluchim. With warmth and clarity, he laid out 18 practical steps for approaching finding your Shlichus.

The workshop covered topics such as discovering opportunities, understanding the challenges of joining an existing Chabad house, and the importance of building strong, respectful relationships with the Shluchim already in the field.

“It was remarkable to see so many Yungerleit come together with one purpose, wanting to go on Shlichus and give the Rebbe nachas. You felt it in the room,” says Rabbi Sholom Ber Plotkin, the event’s coordinator. “In a time when Shlichus has grown to more than 6,000 Shluchim worldwide, there are still countless Jews who have not yet been reached. The call of the hour is to not only open new Chabad Houses but also to strengthen and expand the activities of those already established with a fresh new energy.”

A new Step by Step Shlichus guide designed by Merkos 302 was also introduced, providing new shluchim with the tools needed to navigate the most common situations faced by Shluchim. The guide covers topics such as fundraising, applying for permits, finding housing, and offers tips from current and long-time shluchim on how to overcome various obstacles and challenges.

“Standing in a room filled with so much idealism and drive, you can’t help but feel hopeful about the future,” said Rabbi Mendy Shanowitz, director of the New Shluchim Desk at Merkos 302. “Participants left with real guidance and a clear sense of direction, and inspired to carry the Rebbe’s mission forward with confidence and purpose.”