Over 350 Shluchim, Shluchos, and their children gathered for a statewide Kinus HaShluchim last week in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Participants enjoyed a five-star program b’gashmiyus u’b’ruchniyus with engaging sessions, heartfelt farbrengens, delicious meals, and warm camaraderie throughout.

In a Sicha on Shabbos Chof Av 5743, the Rebbe addressed the upcoming Kinus HaShluchim in Eretz Yisroel, praising the inclusion of Anashim, Nashim, and Taf—men, women, and children—and encouraged Shluchim around the world to emulate that model. That vision was powerfully realized last week in Arlington Heights, Illinois, where over 350 Shluchim, Shluchos, and their children gathered for a statewide Kinus HaShluchim, organized by Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois.

The Kinus was organized by Rabbi Meir Moscowitz and Rabbi Yosef Moscowitz, together with a dedicated team of Shluchim and Shluchos, and graciously hosted in the makom hashlichus of Rabbi Yakov Dovid and Chaiky Kotlarsky, Shluchim to Arlington Heights.

“It was a true honor to have so many Shluchim families join together in our makom hashlichus,” said Rabbi Kotlarsky. “The energy and excitement were palpable, and we were all uplifted and enriched by learning from one another over this memorable Kinus.”

From start to finish, participants experienced a full five-star program, both b’gashmiyus u’b’ruchniyus — with engaging sessions, heartfelt farbrengens, delicious meals, smooth logistics, and warm camaraderie throughout.

The program featured Rabbi Zalmy Kudan, a renowned chinuch expert from Santa Barbara, California, who led sessions including “Instilling Chassidishkeit in Our Children” and “Building Effective Teams.” He also led a powerful farbrengen for the boys, encouraging them to view themselves as active partners in their families’ Shlichus.

“It was incredible to see the brotherhood that the Shluchim in Illinois have,” said Rabbi Kudan. “The positive energy of support for each other is truly inspiring.”

The Shluchos track included a full day of workshops, roundtable discussions, and networking, capped off with a heartfelt farbrengen led by Mrs. Rochel Lazaroff, Shlucha to Houston, Texas. Mrs. Lazaroff also met with the girls for a special farbrengen, empowering the next generation of Shluchos with purpose and pride.

A deeply moving moment came during a talk by Mr. Brandon Becker, who shared his personal journey toward Yiddishkeit. It began when bochurim visited him on Mivtzoim, and grew into a life-changing relationship with Rabbi Yakov Dovid and Chaiky Kotlarsky. Today, he is actively involved in Jewish life and recently visited the Rebbe’s Ohel—a powerful example of the far-reaching impact of Shlichus.

The Shluchim’s farbrengen was led by Rabbi Moshe Gourarie, Shliach to Toms River, NJ, and a maggid shiur for Project Likkutei Sichos. His sincerity, insights, and warmth kept the farbrengen going into the early hours, leaving participants energized and inspired.

The children’s programming was a shining element of the Kinus:

The boys’ program, led by Ozzy Belson and Eli Nosson Bergstein, featured a full-day trip, followed by dinner at Chabad of Elgin.

The girls’ program, led by Teibel Scheiman and Chava Moscowitz, enjoyed a special outing and concluded with a delightful dinner at Chabad of Naperville.

Even infants and toddlers had their own carefully planned track, allowing parents to be fully present while knowing their children were well cared for.

A special thanks goes to the organizing committee, whose tireless efforts ensured the Kinus was a true success both in spirit and in execution:

Shluchim:
Rabbi Mordechai Gershon, Rabbi Avrohom Kagan, Rabbi Yakov Dovid Kotlarsky, Rabbi Moshe Teldon.

Shluchos:
Mrs. Sara Benjaminson, Mrs. Devorah Leah Kotlarsky, Mrs. Mina Schanowitz, Mrs. Chanie Shemtov, Mrs. Fegie Slaviticky, Mrs. Sarah Perlstein, Mrs. Chaya Epstein, Mrs. Sara Moscowitz, and Mrs. Miriam Moscowitz.

Special thanks to Levi Moscowitz of LeviM Productions for his exceptional support and for capturing the day with professionalism and heart.

The Illinois Kinus was more than an event — it was a living expression of the Rebbe’s directive, filled with achdus, inspiration, and purpose. Each participant left uplifted, strengthened, and recharged to continue spreading Torah, Yiddishkeit, and Chassidus with renewed chayus and clarity.

Nshei readers click here for photos of the shluchos.