Shaliach
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Shaliach (Hebrew: שָלִיחַ; plural שְלִיחִים, shlichim or shliach, pl. shluchim or shlichim; fem. shlucha or shlicha, pl. shluchos, shlichot, or shlichos), in Judaism, is the concept of an emissary. In halakha (Jewish religious law) there are special laws that apply to a shaliach.
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[edit] In the Bible
The first shaliach mentioned in the Torah is Eliezer, who was sent by Abraham to find a wife for Isaac.
[edit] Shluchim or Shlichim today
Some Jewish organizations may send shluchim or shlichim to take upon leadership roles within another community. (The word shluchim (שְלוּחִים) is the passive participle form that translates to "the ones who are sent".)
Starting in the 1950s, the Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, sent many thousands of shluchim all over the world, very often to far and remote locations, to bring Jews closer to Judaism through his Mitzvah campaigns, and to assist Jewish communities for virtually all Jewish needs. Today Chabad shluchim can be found in all parts of the world, with a few exceptions. Presently, Chabad Shluchim number about 4,000 worldwide.
The Jewish Agency for Israel sends communal shlichim from the Land of Israel to help in Zionist outreach within the diaspora community. They often take roles in assisting Zionist groups with the aim of creating a stronger connection between the State Israel and Jewish communities around the world, and ultimately to encourage aliyah (emigration to Israel).
In the Aleph Zadik Aleph, an Aleph Shaliach serves on the Grand Board (international), (most) regional (council) boards, and (most) chapter boards. This member is in charge of community service, social action, charity (Tzedakah), and Judaic affairs.
[edit] Kinus HaShluchim
The Kinus HaShluchim is the annual gathering of Chabad Shluchim held in the fall, each year. The conference is typically held in New York City over the weekend prior to the new Hebrew month of Kislev. Over 3,000 rabbis gather each year making this the largest rabbinical conference in the world.
A similar conference is held each winter for the Shluchos (wives of the rabbis), typically proximate to the Yahrtzeit of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson. Both Kinusim are simulcast in multiple languages, and have extensive tracking, including programs for lay leaders and children.
