Yom Iyun for Student Shluchim

Building on the success and from the overwhelming feedback from last year’s program, a special full-day Yom Iyun was hosted by the Vaad Talmidei Hatmimim for all Talmidim Hashluchim at Congregation B’nei Jacob – Chabad of Park Slope, NY on Sunday. There was a separate program in Hebrew for the over forty Shluchim to Yeshivos in Eretz Hakodesh, held at the same venue.

As a pleasant kick-off for the grand event, a lavish breakfast awaited the boys upon arrival with a generously large menu, from which they continued on to the sessions.

A video of the Yechidus Klolis of 26 Tishrei 5748 was viewed where the Rebbe addresses important aspects in the Shlichus of the Bochurim, after which emcee Hatomim Mendel Levertov introduced the first speaker, Rabbi Nochum Kaplan of the Chinuch Office, who spoke about the initial institution of Shluchim to Yeshivos, what the Rebbe envisioned for it to become, and the Chassidim’s reaction to this novel idea. He then related his own memories from the early years of Shlichus in Yeshivos, and reminded the bochurim of the great responsibility and honor they have as Talmidim Hashluchim.

Rabbi Kaplan was followed by Rabbi Sholom Moshe Paltiel, Shliach in Port Washington, NY, who recalled his own fond memories of shlichus to Australia, and shared many precious stories on the topic.

Rabbi Yisroel Shimon Kalmenson, of Vaad Hanochos B’Lahak, gave little known insight into the making and eventual printing of the reshima “Shnayim Ochazin”, which the Rebbe penned in his own holy handwriting. The Reshima is particularly pertinent this year, as Lubavitch Yeshivos worldwide will be learning precisely that Gemoro over this upcoming year. Rabbi Kalmenson encouraged the Shluchim to raise awareness in their Yeshivos about this Reshima, and gave practical advice as to how to inspire bochurim to learn it.

Following a hearty lunch and group photo, the bochurim were addressed by Rabbi Yossi Rosenblum, Menahel of Yeshivas Achei Temimim in Pittsburgh, PA. Rabbi Rosenblum discussed tips on a variety of subjects with the Bochurim, advising them how to utilize their relationships with both the Hanhalah and the Bochurim, and maximizing their resources. After delivering some basic words of training, he accepted questions by the eager crowd, and offered his professional assistance.

In the later afternoon, Rabbi Mendel Duchman of Los Angeles, CA, spoke about inter-personal relationships with potential Baalei Batim, and supplied invaluable advice, mingled with his outspoken passion for bochurim and their holy work.

The final part of the program saw several presenters talk about how best to run a wide gamut of programs in Yeshiva, as well as launch new projects, which was emceed by Hatomim Peretz Kazen. Hatomim Mendel Levertov spoke about the now-famous publication “A Chassidisher Derher”, and Zushi Rivkin addressed the topic of Mivtzoim. Mendel Jacobs discussed how to infuse vigor in the idea of videos of Farbrengens by the Rebbe, a most crucial element in Hiskashrus today.

Rabbi Mendy Lachkar made substantial suggestions, such as having a special mivtza marking seventy years to the publishing of Hayom Yom, as he underlined the importance of making sure each bochur receives the individual attention he needs and deserves. Rabbi Shloime Levertov spoke about the new website for Talmidim Hashluchim which is currently under construction and is due to launch in the near future i”yh, and finally Mendy Minkowitz closed the event, and informed the Shluchim about of the Vaad’s availability to help in any way possible. He presented different ongoing programs the Vaad has in place, as well as several projects that they will launch over the upcoming year.

At the end of the intense, enriching and empowering program, a special Teshura was distributed to the Talmidim Hashluchim, who returned to Crown Heights visibly invigorated and prepared to tackle this new year with newfound energy!

Later in the evening there was a Farbrengen with the Hanhala of 770, namely Reb Yoel Kahn and Reb Shloime Zarchi.