More than 120 volunteers of Merkos 302’s MyShliach Chavrusa Program gathered at the Jewish Children’s Museum (JCM) on Wednesday evening for an elegant appreciation event, recognizing their dedication to weekly chavrusas and ongoing mentorship of Yaldei HaShluchim around the world.

The Chavrusa Program was launched seventeen years ago as MyShliach’s original initiative, pairing bochurim with young Shluchim for weekly learning sessions over the phone. Today, MyShliach has grown into a multifaceted organization that provides a global community for young Shluchim, with a wide range of educational, social, and Chassidishe programming for Yaldei HaShluchim worldwide.

Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302, opened the evening by thanking the volunteers for their dedication and commitment.

“When visiting Shluchim families in remote locations,” Rabbi Kotlarsky said, “it becomes clear how profoundly MyShliach’s programs affect these children. The opportunity to connect weekly with a caring bochur strengthens each child’s hiskashrus and inspires them in their avodas hashlichus.”

One such beneficiary is Mendel Goldberg of San Antonio, Texas. Homeschooled and with only one other Lubavitcher boy his age living nearby, Mendel shared how MyShliach has become a central part of his life.

Mendel explained that much of his social life revolves around MyShliach initiatives, including the Sunday Chassidus Club, where he regularly connects with fellow Yaldei HaShluchim from similar backgrounds.

“Just three weeks ago,” he said, “MyShliach hosted an awesome Shabbaton where I got to meet the other Yaldei HaShluchim from our region in person. Every year I look forward to the Shabbaton.”

Among the many programs enjoyed by Young Shluchim worldwide are the Mishnayos Ba’al Peh program, where participants earn prizes based on their learning; Yeshivas Erev, a virtual after-school learning program; Farbrengens in a Box, mailed ahead of Chassidishe Yomim Tovim; regional Shabbatons; a mail-order library; and numerous other educational initiatives.

Also addressing the volunteers were Rabbi Yankel Raskin, Shliach to Jamaica, and Rabbi Mendy Shanowitz, Director of MyShliach.

“My nine-year-old son reminds me every Wednesday,” shared Rabbi Raskin. “He’s always asking whether his chavrusa called yet, when he’s going to call, and whether it’s time to learn. He truly looks forward to it, and it’s beautiful to see. Thank you for giving that to him and for making such a meaningful impact on our children’s lives.”

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a special thank-you video, offering a behind-the-scenes look into the lives of young Shluchim and their unique experiences in shlichus.

”It is truly humbling to see the reach, the impact, the number of Young Shluchim we’re able to support today,” shared Yossi Elberg, Assistant Director at MyShliach. “The growth of MyShliach, and specifically Ach Sheli, is remarkable. Ach Sheli gives every young Shliach their own personal counselor, all year long. I look at what this organization has become and I’m genuinely in awe.”

“The weekly chavrusa program has helped me improve my Yiddish and continue growing in my Chassidishkeit,” said Bentzion Shurpin from S. Louis Park, Minnesota. “Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. You’re making a real impact on Yaldei HaShluchim like me across the world.”

The event concluded with each volunteer receiving a personalized sweater and a copy of the sefer Mashpia L’Doros as a token of appreciation.

Photo: Eli Golomb