Page 13 - HaMizrachi Rosh HaShana - Yom Kippur 5783 USA

You are connected to a network of hundreds of shlichim
around the world. What do you think are the most important
aspects of a shaliach’s role? Has shlichut changed in any way
over the years?
A few things have changed since the time of Avraham and Sarah,
the first shlichim, though much remains the same!

Teachers used to be providers of information. Now, however, all
the information you need is available in the palm of your hand.
The entire Talmud is available in English on your phone, and
Khan Academy is the biggest school in the world. Students need
their teachers to provide what they cannot get from their screens.

Nowadays, the teacher’s most important role is to love their
students, genuinely care for their spirituality, and accept them At the installation of Rabbi Yossi Hambling in Birmingham Central United
without judgment (even when we disagree with their actions Synagogue, March 20th, 2022. Rabbi Hambling completed his semichah through
or beliefs) – and this is something which our shlichim excel at. Mizrachi’s Musmachim program, under the guidance of Rabbi Zimmerman, and
is also a graduate of Mizrachi’s Shalhevet leadership training program. Pictured
(left to right): Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Rabbi Yossi Hambling, Rabbi Binyamin
More than the Gemara and Tanach they are teaching, the Zimmerman, Rabbi Hillel Van-Leeuwen. (PHOTO: HUW MEREDITH)
personal connections they develop make all the difference.
On college campuses, a significant part of the shaliach’s work
is sitting with students one-on-one in Starbucks, talking with But the English speaking rosh yeshivah got on a plane and visited
them and guiding them through an uncertain stage of life. In us in Toronto!
communities, shlichim host both religious and non-religious For many Israelis, it’s “out of sight, out of mind” – they generally
people for Shabbat, building relationships that often continue don’t think about Jews in the Diaspora. Maybe they pause for
for years to come. Even in Israel, the number one thing people a moment during their tefillah, when they say in teka beshofar
are looking for are connections. It doesn’t matter how many “raise high the banner to gather our exiles…”, or if, G-d forbid,
WhatsApp groups they are a part of; they are looking for real there is a terrorist attack in chutz la’aretz. But that’s it. I wish I
connection. V’ahavta l’reacha kamocha, “loving your friend as you could say that the majority understand our responsibility to
love yourself”, is a klal gadol, main rule, in teaching Torah. Diaspora Jewry, but they don’t. In my first month on the job, I

Do you think the Religious Zionist community in Israel went with (World Mizrachi’s Executive Chairman) Rabbi Doron
understands Diaspora Jewry? Perez to various yeshivot to speak with roshei yeshivah about the
importance of going on shlichut, and we also met with the Chief
Religious Zionists in Israel are slowly learning more about Rabbis. We asked Chief Rabbi Lau: “Are you the chief rabbi of
Diaspora Jewry because of the work of the shlichut organizations, Medinat Yisrael (the State of Israel), or of Am Yisrael (the people
but many are still ignorant. The other day, I gave my son’s friend of Israel)? Why should Ahavat Yisrael (love of Israel) stop at the
a ride from Ofra to Jerusalem, and he asked me: “Why do we borders of Medinat Yisrael?”
need to invest in chutz la’aretz? Don’t we want everyone to live in
Israel?” Many people have asked me that question. Israelis are beginning to realize that there are enormous numbers
of ex-Israelis living in chutz la’aretz. There are close to one million
Years ago, when my wife and I were contemplating shlichut, we ex-Israelis living in North America alone! The community here
spoke with two roshei yeshivah for advice – one Israeli, and one an
English speaker. The Israeli rosh yeshivah was not excited about in Israel is becoming more aware, and shlichut is a big part of
us going, while the Anglo rosh yeshivah was very encouraging. that. Just as Birthright exposes American Jews to Israel, shlichut
exposes Israelis to Diaspora Jewry. When Sivan Rahav-Meir and
The Israeli rosh yeshivah said shuvchem l’shalom, “return in peace”.
Yedidya Meir came to America as Mizrachi’s shlichim, they helped
raise awareness of Diaspora Jewry in Israel.
If someone is considering shlichut, what is your 30-second
elevator pitch for why they should go for it?

It’s a win-win. Shlichut does wonders for your career development.
It’s an amazing experience for your family, it will make you
personally stronger and more independent, and help you develop
new skills. And the impact that you will have is enormous. You
will bring other Jews to Israel! I personally know dozens of people
living in Israel today who chose to come because of the impact
of shlichim. And since each Jew who makes Aliyah figuratively
brings with them thousands of other Jews – all of their future
descendants – shlichim are indeed part of a world-changing
Rav Hillel with his class at CHAT, 2001. movement! n

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