News & Developments

Ever since the Rebbe sent Shluchim to Sydney in 5746 (1986), the Shluchim from Melbourne and Sydney have convened on an annual basis. This year was no different, with Shluchim from seven Chabad institutions Australia-wide participating in a Kinus, with the purpose of strengthening each other for the future months of Shlichus ahead.

The Kinus took place in Melbourne, on Shabbos Parshas Bamidbor. The program opened on Thursday evening at the M. Goldhirsh residence, with a practical and thought-provoking farbrengen led by alumnus Rabbi Elisha Greenbaum Moorabbin Hebrew Congregation). Rabbi Greenbaum shared some of his personal experiences as a rabbi, and stressed to the Shluchim their incredible privilege and responsibility as role models for the students and community.

On Friday morning, the Shluchim enjoyed a light breakfast at the Chabad House of Caulfield (770). Rabbi Shmuel Lesches (Maggid Shiur - Yeshivah Gedolah) expanded on various matters relating to education. The Shluchim submitted questions in advance, and Rabbi Lesches responded to as many questions as time permitted. Following that, Rabbi Chaim Tzvi Groner delivered a talk about the International Date Line in Halacha, a subject especially pertinent to trans-Pacific travel.

Shabbos was spent in East Bentleigh together with Rabbi Mendel Raskin and his congregation. An especially powerful moment occurred when the chazzan for musaf, Shliach Yossi Nigri, sang the final kadish of musaf. Immediately, the thirty participating Shluchim broke out into a spontaneous dance, and the congregants of the Chabad House joined in as well.

The finale of the Kinus was a Maleveh Malkah held at the D. Wolf residence. Rabbi Mottel Krasnjansky (Ohr Chadash) enthralled the Shluchim with captivating stories expressing the message of a Shliach's responsibility.