In the heart of Crown Heights, a group of young Chabad women gathered with a shared purpose - to prepare for their roles as Chabad emissaries around the world. The Yesodos L'hatzlachas Hashlichus Seminar, organized by the New Shluchim Desk at Merkos 302, brought 50 aspiring and newly appointed Shluchos for two days of intensive learning, connection, and personal growth.
Among the participants was Mrs Chaya Mushka Baron, who is preparing to move to Bowie, MD with her family to establish a new Chabad center. "It gave me a strong feeling of empowerment to get out there and start our new shlichus,” she explained. “We gained invaluable tools to navigate various situations and questions that may arise. It brought a strong sense of unity and chizuk being surrounded by so many women on the same journey.
The seminar's carefully curated program addressed various aspects of Shlichus life. Experienced Shluchos like Mrs. Leah Rosenfeld from Lake Worth, FL, and Mrs. Chanie Krasnianski from Manhattan, NY, shared insights on maintaining a strong spiritual foundation and a positive mindset in the face of challenges.
A panel of shluchos discussed their personal experiences of their first few years on shlichus, what they learned from it, and what they may do differently. Led by Mrs. Chanie Kagan, Potomac, MD, Mrs. Chana Mushka Mishulovin, Bronx, NY, and Mrs. Rochel Kalmanson, Ningbo, China, the panel provided a window into the world of starting out as communal leaders while juggling a young family.
Rabbi Moshe Kesselman, Rav in Los Angeles, presented some common Halachis quandaries that often pop up on Shlichus and how to approach them. Mrs. Shifra Sharfstein, Shlucha to Atlanta, GA, explored the unique power of femininity in a Shlucha’s role and how to harness it.
For Mrs Chani Wolf, new shlucha to Fairbanks, Alaska, these sessions were the start of something new, "It gave me perspective on what’s crucial when starting out, and what priorities are necessary to begin the journey with. I feel empowered and ready for my Shlichus with the knowledge I’ve gained and the incredible people I’ve met and learned from.”
As the packed two-day seminar continued, more pressing topics were uncovered including marketing and networking strategies from Mrs Racheli Edelkopf, Sholom Bayis and emotional well-being tips from Rabbi Yosef Shagalow, Shliach to S. Paul, MN, and many more.
“The Rebbe encouraged gatherings of Shluchim on a regular basis. Rather than catering to Shluchim in a specific geographical area, this kinus is aimed at a specific demographic,” explains Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of Merkos 302. “Thus fostering connections among the new generation of shluchim just starting, all facing similar hurdles to overcome.”
As these women disperse to their respective corners of the world, they carry with them newfound knowledge and more importantly a network of support and a renewed sense of purpose. They are the future of Chabad's global outreach, and if the energy in that room was any indication, that future is bright indeed.
Tragically, only weeks after the seminar, Mrs. Miriam Mintz, newly appointed shlucha to Pasadena and Glen Burnie, Maryland, passed away. Messages have poured into the organizers’ inbox from fellow shluchos dedicating outreach efforts in her memory. “I hosted a Pirkei Avos shiur on Shabbos in her memory,” wrote one shlucha. “I will encourage my community members to light candles in her honor even if they usually don't,” wrote another. Inspired by Miriam’s passion for Shlichus, numerous Shluchos have launched new initiatives in her Zchus.
For those interested in learning more about future seminars and support for new Shluchim, please visit www.newshluchim.merkos302.com or email newshluchim@merkos302.com
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