R. Kotlarsky at Shluchim Yeshiva

Merkos Vice Chairman Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky made a special trip to review the progress and program at Yeshivas Tzeirei HaShluchim – Tzfat, which he participated in formulating at the Kinus HaShluchim in 1997.

Rabbi Kotlarsky was joined by his son and Merkos project director, Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, for a tour and overview from yeshiva director and Tzfat Head Shliach, Rabbi Chaim Kaplan. Expressing how impressed he was with the yeshiva’s Yisrael Aryeh Leib – Colel Chabad campus, Rabbi Kotlarsky noted the incredible spiritual and physical development in recent years.

The yeshiva has benefited from Rabbi Kotlarsky’s ongoing support, assistance, and encouragement since its establishment by then Tzfat Head Shliach, Rabbi Aryeh Leib Kaplan.

“You’ve put all the resources to great use and done tremendous things with the yeshiva, both physically and spiritually. It’s a really home for young Shluchim,” he said.

The 96 young Shluchim from around the world that are currently participating in the yeshiva’s summer program also spent time with the Kotlarskys, answering their questions and speaking of their experiences on Shlichus and at the yeshiva.

“This all started as small idea that Merkos suggested and Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan took upon himself to actualize,” Rabbi Kotlarsky reminisced with the boys. “It’s amazing to see it today as a thriving, successful yeshiva that meets the needs of kids like you, the Shluchim of tomorrow.”

He reminded the boys of the Rebbe’s desire that Lubavitcher bochurim become lamdanim. “You’ve made a wise choice to spend your summer in the yeshiva’s program,” he said. Rabbi Kotlarsky also encouraged them to follow the Rebbe’s example of utilizing time well for Torah study, and reminded them to sign up the yeshiva’s upcoming year of study.