The annual Kinus Hashluchim – Chabad Shluchim Conference takes place this weekend in New York. With Hashem’s help all the attendees will be able to arrive without complications related to air travel and the like. It is an important gathering that has a major impact on the Jewish world, because Chabad Shluchim are present in thousands of communities around the world.
A Shliach is an emissary (of the Rebbe). Who was the proto-Shliach? This week’s Parsha tells us about the first Shliach. Avraham appoints his servant as an emissary to find a wife for his son, Yitzchak.
What can we learn from this proto-Shliach that can inform us about a recipe for success as a Shliach in the 21st century? There are three keys to his success.
Although we know the servant’s name to be Eliezer, that fact is omitted from reference in the entire lengthy narrative. He is identified simply as “the servant.” He recognizes that he represents something bigger than himself. He does not allow his own ego to get in the way of the mission. This setting aside of self, allows the greater spiritual power of his sender, Avraham, to endow his mission with success.
When “the servant” reaches the moment upon which the success of the mission hinges, he pauses to pray to Hashem for success. He is aware of his own limitations and turns to the Infinite One to bless the outcome of his mission.
Knowing that he advances with the power of Avraham and the blessing of Hashem, he projects confidence in the success of his mission, and this, in turn, effects that very success.
The results: A 17-day journey took only a few hours. The woman he sought presented herself immediately. The family’s ostensible objections to her departure are eliminated forthwith. The woman travels back with him to Avraham and Yitzchak. Mission Accomplished.
Now we have our own recipe for success.
- Know that you represent something greater than yourself and don’t allow your ego to get in the way.
- Pray to Hashem for success in your mission.
- Project confidence knowing that you have the Hashem’s blessing and the power of your sender behind you.
Wishing all of the Shluchim success in their sacred mission of preparing our world for the Redemption.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin