For the first time at the Kinus Hashluchim, a full-day seminar dedicated to Shluchim in their first decade of service will take place. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to foster camaraderie and offer practical guidance, connecting seasoned Shluchim with emerging ones, and ensuring new Shluchim begin their holy missions with clarity and confidence.
Thursday’s Kinus Hashluchim schedule features a variety of full-day seminars, allowing Shluchim in certain specialties to connect, whilst honing their skills and receiving sage advice on their field of Shlichus. For the first time, a full day of sessions geared toward Shluchim kickstarting their life mission has been offered, in response to the Shluchim themselves’ requests.
In addition to the content shared, the summit creates a community of Shluchim at the same stage of their Shlichus. “In these formative years, the camaraderie of fellow shluchim is invaluable,” said Rabbi Mendy Plotkin of Dallas, Texas. “Knowing that others are facing the same challenges and triumphs makes the journey not only bearable but truly uplifting.”
The sense of community among young shluchim is more crucial now than ever. This new track at the Kinus is a direct response to that need, offering a space for open conversations, learning, and connection that extends beyond the conference itself.
“These seminars are critical,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, who will be leading the international conference of Shluchim after stepping into his father’s role this year. “The guidance from experienced shluchim is the blueprint for success, directly transmitting the Rebbe’s vision to the next generation of his Shluchim.”
The program is filled with sessions that address the specific needs of newer shluchim, focusing on setting themselves up for long-term success by learning from those with just a few more years of experience.
The day begins with “Torah: The Cornerstone of Shlichus,” a session dedicated to engaging every soul in the community through meaningful Torah learning. Rabbis Efraim Mintz of Brooklyn, New York, Yankie Denburg of Coral Springs, Florida, and Levi Dubov of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, will share insights and strategies drawn from their own experiences.
Following that, “Behind the Scenes: Real Shluchim, Real Struggles, Real Solutions” offers an authentic conversation moderated by Rabbi Zalmen Shimon Itkin of West Lake Worth, Florida. Rabbis Mendel Lipskier from Sherman Oaks, California, and Levi Jacobson of Toronto, Canada, will provide practical advice rooted in real-life challenges.
“The Rebbe taught us that while all beginnings are difficult, approaching things from the start with the correct perspective ensures their success,” says Rabbi Simcha Backman, Shliach in Glendale, California, and Kinus organizing committee member. “For Shluchim in the early years of founding communities, the Kinus can be most impactful. The opportunity to learn from experienced Shluchim how to best set up a shlichus promotes healthy habits and prevents a steeper learning curve further down the line.”
The afternoon sessions delve deeper into the realities of shlichus. “Overcoming Challenges and Bumps in the Road” features Rabbis Oshy Deren of Cape Town, South Africa, Mendel Teldon of Commack, New York, and Benny Hershkowitz of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. They will discuss resilience and growth in the face of obstacles.
In “Friend-Raising: A New Approach to Fundraising,” Rabbis Yosef Plotkin of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Zalman Grossbaum of Livingston, New Jersey, introduce innovative strategies that focus on building relationships as the key to successful fundraising.
“Building Lifelong Connections” brings together Rabbis Mendel Kalmenson of Belgravia, England, Levi Mentz of Cumming, Georgia, and Rabbi Yosef Wilhelm of the Upper East Side of Manhattan to explore how to create meaningful relationships with community members from the very first interaction.
“Our goal is to create a network that continues throughout the year,” said Rabbi Mendy Shanowitz, Director of the New Shluchim Desk at Merkos 302. “The single day of in-person workshops and networking at the Kinus helps build lasting relationships where shluchim encourage each other in their vital work.”
The day energy of the day will culminate with “Navigating the Shlichus Journey,” a conversation with Rabbi Sholom Ber Lipskar of Bal Harbour, FL, offering timeless wisdom on succeeding in their sacred mission. In dialogue with Rabbi Yossi Lipskier of Sherman Oaks, California, Rabbi Lipskar will share insights drawn from decades of experience.
The summit reflects a broader community among young shluchim who proactively support one another, embodying the principle of ish es re’ehu—each person helping their fellow. Spearheaded by a committee of young Shluchim including Rabbi Mendy Bronstein of Altamonte Springs, FL, Rabbi Shneur Brook of Shelton, CT, Rabbi Shloimy Ceitlin of Surprise, AZ, Rabbi Mendy Freund of Parkland, FL, Rabbi Shaya Itkin of Beacon, NY, Rabbi Zash Itkin of West Lake Worth, FL, Rabbi Mendy Plotkin of Dallas, TX, Rabbi Yossi Rodal of Seattle, WA, and Rabbi Koppel Silberberg, Tamarac, FL, they identified the most crucial topics and challenges facing new shluchim, ensuring the program’s direct relevance.
“This day is about creating a sense of community,” Rabbi Itkin, expressed. “We’re establishing friendships that will sustain us throughout the year and beyond.”
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