‘Merkos Shlichus’ Pesach preparatio​ns enter high gear

Less than a month after registration opened for Pesach ‘Merkos Shlichus’, the rabbinical students, or Bochurim who signed up were called to Merkos’ offices at Chabad HQ where they displayed their expertise at leading a public Seder and their knowledge of the necessary Halachos.

What should be done if a guest brings a bottle of Vodka as a gift for the Seder? How to properly explain the refusal to shake hands with women? How to respond to an offer of food or drink without offending the host? What is the required consumption size for Matzah? These and similar questions were among those posed to the Bochurim by Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, vice chairman of Merkos, who is responsible for the vast network of ‘Merkos Shlichus’.

“These Bochurim will be meeting people in remote locations for whom this may be the only meeting with a fellow Jew all year”, explains Rabbi Kotlarsky. “It is of paramount importance that this encounter be as positive and meaningful as possible, and therefore we must equip the Bochurim with the appropriate materials and knowledge”.

The traditional preparatory seminar will be held after Rosh Chodesh Nissan, and in the following days the selected Bochurim will depart to hundreds of destinations around the world.

“Over 600 Bochurim registered for ‘Merkos Shlichus’ this year, and they will travel to 270 destinations worldwide. We are currently preparing the logistical details, including flights, accommodations, food and supplies”, says Rabbi Mendel Kotlarsky who is coordinating the project.