Yaldei Hashluchim from across the Midwest arrived Friday morning in Rochester, Minnesota for the first of MyShliach’s Regional Boys Shabbatons, a new series of Kinusim designed for Yaldei Hashluchim growing up in remote communities. The Shabbaton, hosted by the Greene Family of Chabad of Southern Minnesota, drew boys from North Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, many of whom had never met before.

Organized by the MyShliach team at Merkos 302, the three-day Kinus featured a carefully planned schedule of camp-style Shabbos seudos, farbrengens, games, and group activities, led by a dedicated group of older bochurim. After Shabbos, the boys were treated to an exciting snow tubing and bowling trip. The boys headed home Sunday with new friendships, fresh chayus, and an energy that will carry them through to continue their special shlichus.

Rabbi Yonah Grossman of Fargo, North Dakota, whose son Mendel attended the Midwest Shabbaton, said the experience gave his son a lift that’s hard to replicate.

“Our shlichus is about a four-hour drive from the nearest Jewish community,” he said. “Opportunities for Mendel to spend time with other young shluchim in person are a tremendous boost. The chayus and care he felt at this Shabbaton will stay with him for a long time.”

Additional Boys Shabbatons are planned across various regions across the US, as well as international locations in Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia, with many Girls Shabbatons also in the works.

The Regional Shabbatons are organized by MyShliach and coordinated by Mendy Hirsch and Moshe Weiss.

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