Decades ago, a Shliach could move to a new city and build on his own. Now opportunities often involve moving near other Shluchim, working with a mosad, or joining a family in a shared endeavor. These realities bring new challenges, such as communication, cooperation, setting boundaries, and navigating relationships that require foresight and practical tools.

By Yossi Weinstein 

The New Shluchim Desk at Merkos 302 has partnered with Rabbi Aaron Herman to present a workshop designed to guide couples who are thinking about, preparing for, or just beginning their journey on Shlichus. The program is meant for anyone along the spectrum of Shlichus exploration, whether you are just considering the idea and want to know what to look out for, or you have already found a place and need to set things up properly with boundaries and structures in place.

Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302, shared his excitement about the initiative. “The Rebbe entrusted each of us with the mission of reaching every Jew. For couples looking into Shlichus, it is not only about passion but also about the right preparation. This workshop will give the tools to begin that journey with clarity and confidence.”

Rabbi Aaron Herman has been working with Shluchim for many years, specializing in consulting, mediation, and conflict resolution. His experience includes guiding employer-employee relationships, organizational development, and most importantly, helping new Shluchim succeed from the very beginning of their Shlichus through the Shliach Oseh Shliach process.

Rabbi Mendy Shanowitz, director of the New Shluchim Desk at Merkos 302, shared, “We did this workshop a couple of years ago, and after seeing how much clarity and success it brought new Shluchim, we decided to revamp and renew the program.”

The workshop is built around the idea that the landscape of Shlichus today is different from what it once was. Decades ago, a Shliach could move to a new city and build on his own. Now opportunities often involve moving near other Shluchim, working with a mosad, or joining a family in a shared endeavor. These realities bring new challenges, such as communication, cooperation, setting boundaries, and navigating relationships that require foresight and practical tools. Rabbi Herman will guide participants through real-life scenarios and provide strategies for asking the right questions, making compromises where appropriate, and identifying non-negotiables.

Rabbi Sholom Ber Plotkin, one of the coordinators for the workshop, explained, “What really excites me about this workshop is that it’s not only for people who have already chosen a city. Even if you are just looking into Shlichus, you will come out with a framework for what questions to ask, what compromises are normal, and what boundaries are non-negotiable. I think it will help me feel prepared instead of just hopeful.”

The upcoming workshop will take place on Thursday, September 11, Chai Elul, from 8:00 to 9:30 PM. The cost is $10 per person, and the location will be provided upon RSVP. Couples interested in attending can register at newshluchim.merkos302.com/rabbihermanworkshop