The Invisible Hand

The inspiration for the book is the overwhelming response of young newly married couples and yeshiva students going out to do the Rebbe’s outreach work, commonly known as shlichus. The shliach, (male) and shlucha (female) are carrying the torch, which ignites Jewish souls throughout the world. Hence, the Hebrew word shliach (shlucha) literally means emissary – the one who does the shlichus: the mission of reaching out. Having the great merit of being on the Rebbe’s shlichus since 1984, I personally experienced a lot of ups and downs. To say it’s all been rosy is a lie. To say it’s been exciting is true. But more importantly, it is the wish of the Rebbe, and that’s what counts. The Rebbe chose my wife and I as his shluchim to Marin County, California. Our shlichus there was from 1984 – 1992. Our shlichus then moved to Los Angeles from 1992 – 1996. Since 1996, our shlichus has been in Brooklyn, New York.
 
Because the people in each area have their specific needs, the stories you are about to read are different. Since the challenges we encountered in each place were fraught with their own set of trials, I’ve divided the book into three sections, corresponding to the three different cities the shlichus warranted. Additionally, many young men and women are sent on shlichus as part of their yeshiva education. They are sent as older guides to yeshivas and girls’ seminaries outside of New York. These young people could benefit from reading the book. In many of the stories we share lessons the shliach and shlucha can take with them wherever they go. Knowing a little of what to expect could save much hardship, although there is nothing like going through it oneself.