Coming Up For Air

A weekend of recharging with my fellow Shluchos.

Every year, in the dead of winter, there is a Kinus HaShluchos, a convention of all the Chabad female community leaders from around the world, who come together for a weekend of connection, learning, and inspiration.

It feels incredible to be part of a group of powerhouse women—women who are smart, talented, and invested with heart and soul in bringing G-d’s light to the masses. It’s a big job, a job that is all-consuming. Sometimes we get tired; it’s easy to lose focus or get disheartened, sometimes discouraged by the realities of life and the uphill battle to outshine darkness. Being together with other women who get it, who have the same goals and dreams but also the same challenges, gives us a great boost. It is always a good reminder for me that “coming up for air” and leaning into camaraderie and connection is so important.

Each of us comes away with our favorite moments, the memorable highlights of the weekend—maybe even some thoughts that we mull over and think about on the trip back home.

Here are some of mine:

1. My Squad: I am so blessed to have many sisters and a mom who are also on Shlichus. The built-in support system is truly the best and most rewarding. We all chipped in and rented an apartment where we stayed together, having fun and a beautiful time catching up. Of course, it resulted in many sleepless nights, but it was well worth it :).
   

2. Friday Night: I was invited to a friend’s house for Shabbos dinner at my sister Brocha’s house, so afterward, I popped into my friend’s warm home. Little did I know she was hosting eight moms and family members of hostages who are still in Gaza. I don’t have words to explain what it felt like to be in the same room as these strong women, listening to them share their hearts. The aura they have, the grounded and peaceful way they show up, left me speechless. The faith with which they breathe and live Hashem’s plan is so deep and inspirational.

   I internalized and learned so much just by being in the same room as them for a few hours. I learned that there is a whole other layer of trust and faith that I haven’t even tapped into. I’ve already been exploring my relationship with G-d, and this was a call to go even deeper. I also saw how these women are showing up in their lives—truly living their days intentionally, making the choice every morning to get up and live. Yes, it means living with pain but not being controlled or trapped by it. If they can do it, so can I. I have not stopped thinking about it since. How do I want to live? How do I want to show up?

3. Thursday Night: After the general session, I went to a Farbrengen hosted by the Shluchim Office, led by Rabbi YY Jacobson. Talk about a foundational, life-changing experience. It’s not the first time I have heard these concepts from him, but these are concepts that, in my opinion, necessitate a few rounds of listening before you can wrap your brain around them in a practical way. This time, I heard it for real. This time, I was able to see ways to deepen that experience. This time, I was encouraged to explore this deeper with my husband.

   I’m sure you’re wondering, “What did he say already?” I cannot repeat a three-hour conversation, but if I were to condense the talk and what I took from it into one word, it would be alignment. We are not in service if we are out of alignment. If we are in a constant state of stress, pain, and overwhelm, then we are missing the point. When we find inner peace of heart, soul, and mind, only then can we turn around and share that with others. When we live and embody our relationship with Hashem, that is our purpose.

As you can see, I came home with a lot of food for thought and deep inspiration. Yet, most of all, I’m grateful to be part of this army, and I’m committed to keep growing in the way I show up and interact with this role I am blessed to have.

Thank you, Hashem!

Chavie