A seminar hosted in the JCM prepared hundreds of bochurim to lead Sedorim in destinations worldwide under the Merkos Shlichus program.
Hundreds of Bochurim are preparing to bring Pesach celebrations to locations all over the world. In destinations such as China, Dubai, Africa, and Thailand, public sedorim are being organized and led by Bochurim sent under the Merkos Shlichus program. A seminar took place last week to prepare them for the many responsibilities ahead. The bochurim enjoyed dinner as they were addressed by various Shluchim and Rabbonim.
“Each of you will be traveling to different locations worldwide. It’s important to remember that you will be representing the Rebbe and Chabad in that place,” Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice Chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, said in his opening remarks. “Have a message, an idea from the Rebbe on Pesach that you want to impart to those you encounter throughout your trip.”
The practical Halachos of Pesach and public sedorim were addressed by Rabbi Chaim Schapiro, Menahel of Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim in Morristown, and Rov of Anash. He highlighted the Halachos pertaining to the Bochurim personally, such as mechiras chometz when traveling between different time zones.
Host of one of the largest public Sedorim in the world, Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, Shliach to Thailand, offered personal tips and tricks for running an engaging and efficient Seder.
”We have each table appoint one person as the table leader. The leader can break the Matza by Yachatz and lead them through each step of the night. Creating a family dynamic at each table helps people feel comfortable, giving them a more personal and enjoyable experience,” shared Rabbi Kantor.
Rabbi Kantor also shared several personal anecdotes and tidbits from his many years of experience. He stressed the importance of coming well-rested to the Seder, ensuring that you are vibrant and fully present when interacting with the guests.
Rabbi Kalman Weinfeld, a member of the Executive Rabbinical Council at OK Kosher, used his experience in the Kashrus field to share with the Bochurim advice in the Halachos of Kashering a kitchen.
“Many people will be very apprehensive about letting you into their kitchen to Kasher it,“ he explained to the crowd. The key is to communicate, and explain what you need to do and why, calmly and clearly. Walk them through each step of the process, and they will be much more receptive and cooperative.”
Rabbi Weinfeld graciously made himself available, offering his phone number for any further questions or concerns.
As a souvenir from the Yom Iyun, every participant received a copy of Rabbi Weinfeld’s newly published book about integrating Bitachon into daily life and a hardcover copy of Sefer Hashlichus, containing many fundamental Sichos and horaos about Shlichus.
Many additional resources were available for the Bochurim, including Haggadas, Bedikas Chometz kits, Jnet brochures and an extensive Merkos Shlichus guide with stories, recipes, and Halachos.
The event closed with the annual group picture of all the Merkos Shlichus Bochurim with Rabbi Kotlarsky and the rest of the Merkos Shlichus team.
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