Young Shluchos Met Their “Big Sisters” in New York

For months, they had only known each other through a screen. On Thursday, more than 100 young shluchos finally got to meet face-to-face with their MyShliach chavrusas.

During the Kinus Hashluchos in Crown Heights, Merkos 302’s MyShliach hosted a special gathering for girls participating in its Achos Sheli and Shiur-It programs. The meetup gave young shluchos from around the world a chance to connect in person with the peers and mentors they learn with throughout the year.

For many of the girls, the highlight was meeting their Achos Sheli, the older “big sisters” who serve as their weekly chavrusas and mentors. Through the Achos Sheli program, young shluchos are paired with seminary and high school girls for one-on-one learning and personal connection. For girls growing up on shlichus in communities far from other frum families, these relationships are a lifeline.

The gathering also brought together participants from Shiur-It, MyShliach’s girls’ learning program, launched this year. Modeled after the popular Yeshivas Erev for boys, Shiur-It offers live shiurim and chavrusa learning twice a week for young shluchos across multiple time zones. For girls who are often the only frum students in their schools, the program provides consistent learning and a built-in circle of friends who share their experience.

“These girls learn together every week, but they’ve never been in the same room,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Director of the International Conference of Shluchos and Merkos 302. “Giving them the chance to meet in person strengthens the connections they’ve been building all year, and reminds them that they’re part of one global family.”

Mrs. Leah Rochel Ciment, shlucha in Brighton MA, shared that her daughter Chaya Mushka looks forward to each Shiur-It class, brings Divrei Torah to the Shabbos table to share with family and guests, and has made lasting friendships through the program.

The meetup, which fell around Chof-Beis Shevat, included a special program about Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, crafts, a farbrengen game, raffles, prizes, and time for the girls to connect with friends.

“I loved learning about Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka and the craft and farbrengen game,” young Chaya Mushka said afterward. “We are truly grateful to MyShliach for all they are doing and the impact it is having on our daughter and beyond,” Mrs. Ciment added.

The energy in the room reflected what MyShliach’s programs are designed to create: a sense of community for children who carry the responsibility of shlichus wherever they live.

The meetup was arranged by Ms. Sara Reiter and Ms. Esti Kaiman, coordinators of MyShliach’s Achos Sheli and Shiur-It programs at Merkos 302.

To learn more about MyShliach and its programs, visit myshliach.com.