A Kinus Before the Kinus

By COLlive reporter

As Chabad Shluchim prepare to travel to New York for the annual Kinus Hashluchim convention, some shluchos managed to fit in a chance to regroup as well.

14 shluchos from throughout China and Eastern Asia convened in the vibrant city of Shenzhen in Southern China on Sunday and Monday, 16–17 Cheshvan 5774.

They came from as far West as Chengdu to as far East as Tokyo – spanning over 2,000 miles. Their tenure on shlichus ranged from those who have just gone out in the past few months to those who have been on Shlichus for over 20 years.

Hosting them were local Shluchim Rabbi Sholom Ber and Henny Chazan at their newly renovated Chabad House in one of the fastest-growing cities in the world and a financial center of Southern China.

The kinus, which was a first opportunity for Shluchos in this region to meet each other, was sponsored by Chabad of China and organized by Shlucha Goldie Avtzon.

24 hours of discussion, laughter and tears were shared as many issues unique to China and to places that are so isolated from each were raised.

Addressing them were Rabbi Mordechai Avtzon, head Shliach of China and Eastern Asia (which includes Korea, Japan and Vietnam) and Mrs. Esther Piekarski from Tel Aviv via internet.

Workshops included discussions on balancing shlichus with family obligations, brainstorming new ideas for future activities and programs and how to present Taharas Hamishpacha to a community by Shanghai Shlucha Dini Greenberg.

“The feedback has been most positive with many shluchus insisting that this become a yearly event,” Mrs. Avtzon said.