“My kids look forward to this day and talk about it all year,” said one Shlucha. “It helps them remember how they are part of something larger than themselves.” She is referring to the annual Shluchim Family Fun Day specially designed for the children of the 100 shluchim-families who call New Jersey their makom hashlichus.
This Sunday, nearly 300 children of all ages came together for the Hakhel Family Fun Day. “Children contribute so much to the success of shlichus,” said Rabbi Mendy Herson, Chabad of the State of NJ, “which is why it is so worthwhile that they have a day dedicated to them, a day for them to be celebrated and pampered. Their strength is our strength.”
It took place in the expansive facilities of Lubavitch of the Palisades, Tenafly, hosted by Rabbi Mordechai and Malkie Shain, and coordinated by Rabbi Moshe and Zeesy Grossbaum, Rabbi Moishe and Mushkie Gurevitz and Mrs. Mushky Levinson. Special activities including sports, arts and crafts, inflatables, and a petting zoo accommodated children of all ages. The energy was palpable as all the children recited the 12 Pesukim, and Tehillim. This was followed by a delicious BBQ and dinner.
It was not only the children who left with smiles, it was the parents as well. “Each event just brings our collective family of shluchim closer and closer,” said one shliach. “The stated goal of these kinusim was sheves achim gam yachad…and we are truly achieving it.”
This Fun Day is a project of the Chabad of NJ Mental Health Initiative, coordinated by the Rabbinical College of America. The MHI provides leadership training, workshops, kinusim, and supports mental health awareness for the Shluchim of the state of NJ.
