By: Zelig Katzman
As the Rebbe’s army continues to grow, with many new couples moving out on Shlichus every year, there is a growing need to be met for new Shluchim who are establishing their new Mosdos.
In addition to building those initial key relationships with locals, there is also a more technical and tedious side to the formative months of Shlichus, namely, setting up the Chabad house as an official organization complying with all local laws and regulations. The many details that need to be addressed, from insurance to getting registered as a nonprofit organization, can make the process feel overwhelming.
Currently, a new Shliach confronted with making these arrangements can often feel like he is stumbling in the dark, lacking the requisite knowledge and direction to build his Mosad.
In response to this need, expressed by many Shluchim over the years, the New Shluchim Desk is proud to present a comprehensive new handbook for Shluchim, the first in a series covering the ins and outs of a new Shliach’s needs in terms of budgeting, insurance, taxes and much more. It provides a detailed treatment of all aspects of this transition into Shlichus experienced by so many young couples every year.
Released just in time for the annual Kinus HaShluchim, this handbook will be the first in a series entitled “Shlichus Step by Step,” which will endeavor to provide guidance to Shluchim-new and old-in the technical and structural aspects of their holy work. It is a focal part of the mission of the New Shluchim Desk, directed by Rabbi Mendy Shanowitz and Rabbi Mendel Chaiton, to assist newer Shluchim in laying the foundation for success in their Shlichus.
The professional and up-to-date work is based on classes given by Avrohom Roth, CPA to groups of Shluchim and has been peer-reviewed and approved by multiple professionals in the various relevant fields with tremendous experience working with Shluchim.
“We want them to be able to navigate the minute details of creating the proper legal and organizational structure. By providing them with the necessary information, the Shluchim can become active participants in this process and be empowered to understand and solve the various issues that will inevitably arise over time,” says Roth, who was instrumental in the production of the handbook.
After being assembled and appraised by a team of experts, it was reviewed by several Shluchim with years of experience mentoring Shluchim in the crucial initial stages of Shlichus.
“Knowing first-hand the frustration that many young Shluchim go through when instead of maximizing their precious time connecting with the local Yidden, they are preoccupied with the technicalities of tedious paperwork. This guide is a tremendous asset for Shluchim, educating them on the Derech Hayashar in establishing their Mosad correctly in its formative days,” says Rabbi Nosson Gurary of Simi Valley, CA, who has many years of experience guiding Shluchim in these areas and played a pivotal role in the production of this handbook.
Although the manual is focused on Shluchim who are just starting out, it is also an invaluable asset to all Shluchim, including those with many years of experience.
“A young couple moving out on Shlichus today shouldn’t feel lost; they should be guided by the experiences of the thousands of Shluchim who have come before them, says Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Director of Merkos 302, “We hope to empower the new Shluchim with tools and guidance, so they can have the utmost success.”
The handbook is available online for $8, including shipping. It will also be available for pickup in Crown Heights during the Kinus HaShluchim.
www.newshluchim.merkos302.com/stepbystep
