You come highly motivated, full of ideology; some of you think you have all the answers to the problems of the golah. Then you fall into a community or a school that is already well established, with strong feelings about Israel and about their Jewish identity. It only takes a short period to realize that your current plans are irrelevant for these people. Instead of teaching, you learn from them. Instead of being strong, you are taken care of. Then you wonder, what is my shlichut (mission)?
I would like to share some of my thoughts on this question based on my five years as a shlichah. To begin with, you must respect all the different ways of observing Judaism and loving Israel that you encounters. You have to observe, absorb, and learn about the community you are serving: Who are the leaders? What is missing in this specific community? What are its needs? What are the community’s expectations from you as a shaliach?
Introduce yourself; do not leave it for others. Because you have the title of shaliach, community members will approach you with ideas and issues about Judaism and Israel. Be gentle; they are not asking you to change their life. Identify appropriate areas in which you can contribute, and try not to step on others’ toes. But when you have a good idea, go for it! Contact key organizations such as the Federation and the Jewish Agency; be informed about up coming lecturers, relevant rallies and other events. In these ways and more, be part of the community. Remember that you are an Israeli, but Israel is not yours alone. Look for positive forces and talented people in your community and plan long term programs and special events with their help.
I do not want to disappoint you, but the above dose not describes the most important part of the shlichut. In fact, most if not all of those roles can be fulfilled by others. So we return to the opening question: What is my shlichut?
You really bring to the shlichut an authentic Israeli’s ground and air; you bring yourself—your personality, your beliefs, your family, your questions, your worries, your life experience, and your love. Israel is part of your biography and identity; when you bring yourself to the community, you bring Israel as well. Your community will see Israel through you. More important than any event or program you may plan is who you are every day. Do your best, make true friends, be honest and gentle, be yourself. That is your greatest contribution as a shaliach. ♦
Galit Crammer Bar-Tuv is a Hebrew teacher at the Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy in Merion Station, Pennsylvania. She can be reached at gcrammer@jbha.org.
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