Earlier this week, 800 young rabbis heading out on Merkos Shlichus around the globe gathered for an in-depth Seminar, receiving guidance from veteran Shluchim and Rabbanim.
The workshops covered common halachic queries and Seder tips to help fulfill the Rebbe’s call to bring the mitzvos of Pesach to every Jew everywhere.
Throughout the past week, pairs of black-hatted Chabad Yeshiva students have been spotted in airports across the globe—many in places that have never seen Jews before—setting out to bring Pesach to tens of thousands.
With more Jews seeking to reconnect with their heritage, Shluchim have noticed an influx of participation in their Sedarim and Pesach programming. The bochurim heading out hope to match that excitement and deliver a uniquely meaningful Pesach experience.
“The Rebbe entrusted us with the responsibility to ensure that every Jew can experience an authentic Pesach,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, director of the Merkos Shlichus program. “What these students represent is that traveling to the farthest corners of the world is worth it—even for one individual to fulfill a mitzvah. We can then certainly reach out to our friends and coworkers to help them celebrate as well.”
Joining the evening seminar, Yosef Bogomilsky, returning for his fourth Merkos Shlichus journey, is preparing to lead a Passover Seder for twenty Jews in Taraz, Kazakhstan—where the closest Jewish community is two hours away. “Despite the logistical challenges, we look forward to connecting with local families, many of whom grew up under the Former Soviet Union without the opportunity to explore their Jewish heritage,” Bogomilsky said. “Being able to celebrate together and rekindle their faith will be a special experience for all of us.”
In preparation for this vital mission, Merkos hosted a Yom Iyun, a seminar to equip these bochurim with the tools, ideas, and inspiration to maximize their efforts. In each area of leading a communal Pesach experience, the bochurim received insights from seasoned veteran Shluchim and Rabbanim, empowering them to lead an authentic Seder experience wherever they may be.
Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky opened the evening by sharing guidance passed down by his father, Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky OB”M—who this year’s Merkos Shlichus was dedicated L’ilui Nishmaso—reflecting on instructions the Rebbe gave regarding Merkos Shlichus. He reminded the bochurim how deeply the Rebbe was invested in the program, citing countless examples, including the very first year when the Rebbe personally gave dollars and a Michtav Klali to each group. He also noted how the Rebbe carefully reviewed every detail of the reports the bochurim submitted.
Rabbi Chaim Shapiro then addressed practical halachic questions that often arise when running a Seder.
Especially this year—with the unique halachic considerations of hosting a Seder on Motzai Shabbos—he discussed topics like starting a Seder early when it’s still Shabbos, and how to properly kosher in unique Kitchen scenarios.
Next, Rabbi Mendy Goldberg, Shliach to Coram, Long Island, guided the bochurim on making their Sedarim as engaging and enjoyable as possible. Drawing on anecdotes from his own Merkos Shlichus experiences and decades of leading Sedarim, he emphasized that more than any inspirational talk, the priority is helping participants fulfill the mitzvos of the evening.
Coordinator of the Merkos Shlichus program, Rabbi Shneur Nejar, underlined the responsibility of representing Yiddishkeit wherever the bochurim go, and urged them to document and share their activities to inspire others well beyond their immediate surroundings.
The evening closed with a powerful video featuring Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky OBM’s talks to the bochurim over the years. In his dynamic, humorous, and personal style, he highlighted the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, smiling through any challenges, and making time for one’s own Seder.
The bochurim each received a bag of essentials for their trips, including Chayenus, bedikas chometz kits, and Seder guides—tools that will help them bring inspiration to the farthest corners of the world.
Visit https://www.merkosshlichus.com/donate to partner with Merkos in bringing an authentic Pesach experience to every Jew around the globe.
The legend!