Post Sem Shlichus?

[mordechai7215]

Taken from Shmais:

ARE POST SEM GIRLS INTERESTED IN SHLICHUS?
From the amount of ads we have ran on SHMAIS.com, it seems, that this year, more than ever there are still numerous Shlichus and teaching positions open for post sem girls that are available.

What we are trying to figure out, is whether there are just way too many openings out there, or have post sem girls chosen to pursue others jobs or are going to school to get degrees.


My theory would be that there are more shluchim asking for girls
My question is why don't Shluchim want Bochurim?

[chasidus]

most bochurim that have any "tochen" to them, are not interested in going to shluchim they are more interested in sitting and learning....

[luxmundi]

Simply because girls are needed for teaching preschool etc. Would you as a guy teach 3 year olds and handle hysterical parents? :D

[doctor midos]

i think its greta for girls to go and be busy in koidesh and feel fulfilled in hashems work.....whats better then that?

[Majorthinker]

if i were post sem id jump at the chance...oh well, this time next year...but ill never get the chance bc u dont need shluchim in the bais hamikdash....i find myself wishing i could go now.

if i get rejected from sem, im going, how weird is it that im half hoping ill be rejected?!?!!?!

[btrswtchoc]

Thats so funny-- its good to find s1 i can relate to. I'm also half hoping to be rejected, i dont even understand why, this whole seminary business is driving me crazy and making me into an old lady!!!!!!!! I don't even get why it's so important to go, and why should seminary take priority over shlichus? All i hear is "that's what the Rebbe wants" well i want to do what the Rebbe wants, but it would be nice to actually read a sicha where the Rebbe spoke about this...anyone know a source?
:lchaim: To Moshiach!

[believer]

i think you need seminary for many, many reasons.

[Majorthinker]

such as.........? are you post sem yourself?

[believer]

Yes, i went through sem and that's why i'm telling everyone that i personally think that you need sem for many reasons

[Majorthinker]

wanna state some of them?

[hishtatchus]

I agree with believer on this one. IY"H will post some of my reasoning ASPIT.

[Majorthinker]

hey, hisht! long time no speak! but what does ASPIT mean? good shabbos!

[hishtatchus]

ASPIT = At Some Point In Time, which shouldn't be now, because I should be doing other things now and it will take longer than 5 minutes to post it. So stay tuned!

[Majorthinker]

did that point in time come yet?

[hishtatchus]

Thank you for reminding me, or else PIT might have been even further away.

Here's some of my reasons why I think sem should be required prior to the year of Shlichus:

1) The Kollel Phenomenon The Rebbe would encourage young couples to spend a year in Kollel prior to going on Shlichus. One of the reasons for this is that you have what to give. It's a hachana for the Shlichus. Girls as well will have much more to give when they spend a concentrated year learning in preparation for Shlichus and life.

2) Maturity The year of sem, where you're far from home (possibly for the first time), expected to be mature, more responsible for yourself, placed with a wide variety of girls in close quarters, etc. makes for a lot of growth, especially in interpersonal relationships. These can be learned on Shlichus, but will be far less painful for all concerned if overcome before.

3) Give Yourself First The Rebbe told Yeshiva bochurim that their focus should be their learning, and not the mivtzoyim. Moral: Reaching out is important, but to give the most, you must have given yourself first. The year of learning in sem is optional, so it's YOURS.

4) Transition Going straight from strict high school to the freedom of Shlichus can be intoxicating, but might lead to less-than-ideal results. Having an in-between year, where there is supervision but not as much, and less freedom than on Shlichus, can help you adjust to the new set of challenges in the wide open world. Including: Stopping yourself from doing inappropriate activities (bowling Motzei Shabbos or whatever), reading and watching the right stuff, initiating your own learning, etc.

Possibly more later.

[Majorthinker]

thank you very much...i was waiting...

[iamachassid]

I think there are a few long threads on seminary but in short, I agree with hish. that seminary is very important, but my perspective is from not having gone to a "real" seminary and seeing all my classmates who did go. BR for first year is not a good option. Enjoy your one (or two) year of sem, you have the rest of your life for shlichus iy"h.

[Majorthinker]

true...but if i dont get in to this seminary, im not interested in pushing!

[happygolucky]

personally i went to sem and i didn't think it was that worth it-of course the year in israel itself was. but before i went to sem and i was contemplating not doing it people were telling me it's so important and all that, but i didn't really feel that way.

[Majorthinker]

hm...so y am i hearing the opposite from everyone else?

[happygolucky]

well i guess it depends alot on which seminary you went to and the group and you attitude...

[Majorthinker]

whered u go?

[happygolucky]

lod-the group was amazing and that's what made it good, but the teachers and the learning wasn't too great and it just felt like a waste of time-most of the time. this year i heard that they worked alot on that and the learning got a lot better but i didn't really speak to anyone there so i wouldn't know.

[Majorthinker]

do you know anyone there
?

[happygolucky]

i know names

[Majorthinker]

can u pm them to me with phone numbers? cuz i need ifnfo on the sem

[happygolucky]

i don't know how to do that, and i don't have any numbers. sorry!

[Majorthinker]

shux
ok.......names?
and go to ur user cp, and click, options
then enable ur pm and pm me

[Bpnimi]

I personally know a lot of girls who are there now and they are really loving it- gaining, growing b'ruchnuis, learning a lot...from what I hear I would definately recommend it, but it always depends on the group so if you really want to go, do some research and make your decision based on that (isnt it a bit late to start applying to sem now?)

[Majorthinker]

no i applied but then i started hearing really scary things, so i want more info

[happygolucky]

sorry major it's not letting me pm

[Majorthinker]

oh, well, thanks anyways

[Lubabale]

wish it were easier to decide what to do!! anyone have any suggestions or tips for post sem opportunities?

[Majorthinker]

check shmais!

[hishtatchus]

There's a GREAT article in one of the recent Nsheis. Maybe one of the mods knows how to get a hold of it? It's a list of tips for Shluchim and girls, in the "Open House" section at the end.

[Lubabale]

If someone could find the article for me and any others who have the same question, it would be great!! :-)

[HaMaysehHa'ikar]

There is B”H a growing trend in shlichus over the past 15 years. Shluchim have KA”H large growing communities and families and need help. Being that it is sometimes financially difficult to hire a new shliach, many shluchim hire girl shluchois to help them. There are B”H post highschool and seminary girls in secretarial, preschool, homeschool or youth program leadership positions doing amazing work all across the planet. Unfortunately, I have recognized that sometimes there are different obstacles that the shluchim and the girls working for them have in creating a united effort in their shlichus. In order to overcome these obstacles I have put together some of my ideas on how we can improve our individual situations.
Some key points that I think girls should know about shlichus.
1. Although you are getting paid shlichus is more than just a job, shlichus means a Mission. We have a goal to accomplish and it isn’t how much money we can make. Our goal is to prepare the world for Moshiach by spreading the wellsprings of Torah and Chassidus.
2. It WON’T always be easy, this isn’t a vacation. It will take a lot of effort and flexibility on your part. Be ready for this.
3. Make sure that you take care of yourself spritiually. Even if it means getting up extra early to daven properly DO NOT start your day without it! It will help you get through the day. Don’t forget to say your Chitas no matter how tired you are or late it gets. This will give you the koach you need to do your shlichus properly. Make a chavrusa time with a friend and keep to it.
4. Make sure that you take care of yourself physically. Keep a healthy diet, don’t skip a meal just because you don’t have time. Especially remember to eat breakfast this will give you energy to face the day ahead of you.
5. Communicate well with the shluchim. Not everything will be told to you a month in advance or even a week in advance, make sure to keep tabs with the shluchim about what events are coming up and what needs to be done, before you need to do it.
6. Ask questions, if you aren’t sure how to do something don’t hesitate to ask for assistance or more specific directions. You will be much more willing and able to work if you know what exactly you need to do.
7. When your are asked if you want to do something and you really think you can’t or would rather not, be honest with the shluchim. Tell them no if that’s what you really think. Don’t agree to do something that you don’t want do.
8. Keep smiling, its contagious and relieves a lot of tension and stress that could build up. Having a positive outlook on every situation will make things go much more smooth. Everything is Hashgacha Protis. Tracht gut vet zain gut, if you think good it will be good.
9. Give yourself time to relax unwind and sharpen the saw, don’t overwork yourself until you are beaten to a pulp. Make sure to get enough sleep. Take time to do something special every once in a while and enjoy yourself. Burnout it never a good thing on shlichus.
10. Remember to thank the shluchim for all they do for you. Whether it is food, assistance, care or anything else they do, show your appreciation. Say thank you often, buy an occasional birthday or thank you gift and in general have an appreciative attitude for the things they do.


Some points for the Shluchim who bring out girls to help them
1. The girls who are coming are coming to assist in shlichus work. Aside from emergency situations (where any shlucha would pitch in for another) they should not be expected to baby-sit on a steady basis. Of course, the girls could be expected to assist in clean up after a peula together with you, but not much more than that.
2. It is important to be upfront with them, tell them how your system works and what you expect of them. Sign a contract stating the job description and financial arrangement. Try to minimize any misunderstandings from the beginning.
3. Be fair, don’t ask them to do what you wouldn’t want to do yourself.
4. Remember they are fairly young and inexperienced, don’t hold it against them, they are willing to learn. Positive encouragement and praise should be used frequently. Criticism is best when it is given in a relaxed time and relaxed atmosphere. Devorim hayotzim min halev nichnasim el halev. Word that come from the heart enter the heart.
5. Appreciate Appreciate Appreciate! They are often far from home family friends and a large Jewish community. They need your support and appreciation for all they do. Show them you notice and appreciate the little things they do and they will probably do them again.
6. Be precise with expectations and directions. Let them know in advanced what you want them to do and how they should do it. If it doesn’t matter how it’s done, be sure to tell them that. This may take a lot of time in the beginning but it is well worth the effort.
7. Don’t overwhelm them with everything at once. Let them slowly take on more and more responsibilities as they get used to the main ones.
8. Look out for their physical and spiritual wellbeing. Although they are adults, they may get very caught up in doing shlichus and not know their physical limits, often it is the first job that these girls have. Spiritually, they will need time and space to learn, reinforce this. If possible give them a shiur once a week.
9. Don’t ask them to sign a contract for a year that does not allow for leaving to get engaged or marriage. Marriage is really the main goal for a girl at this age and a shidduch should not be pushed off for any reason.
10. Love them unconditionally for who they are and what they do. Remember nobody is perfect and it’s human to make mistakes. Don’t let errors get in the way of your shlichus and working relationship.
Try and implement these points and you will surely see a difference! Hatzlacha Rabbah in your shlichus, may we merit the coming of Moshiach bimhairah beyamainu!
By: Pesha Leah Roetter

[Majorthinker]

is that the one from the nshei magazine?

[farshtuptemench]

Majorthinker, If you wanted to talk to someone who is in Lod this year, I am. It's really amazing. The teachers are awesome, you just have to be willing to sit in class. If you don't sit in class you won't gain anything. There are few teachers but very few that aren't the greatest. But that's in every sem. overall the teachers are really good. Also it's an added help if you know hebrew or are willing to learn hebrew because 2 of the greatest teachers in the school speak only hebrew. they understand a bit of english but not really. they also added in night classes which they didnt have last year. but seriously I'm there now, in middle of the year and I gained soooo much from that place. and there is still sufficient free time (in which lots of girls spend learning)
Another thing to think about is that sem. isn't only about learning inside books and classes. It's also about learning about who you are and who you want to be and how to behave. You learn these things just from being in the place. you learn how to relate to all kinds of ppl and to respect others even if you dont get along so well with them. Also the princ. Mrs. J. is really understanding and she knows what she's doing. In the begin. of the year I was so confused as to what I got myself into by going there because I judged the place before giving it a chance just form what I heard. Seriously she knows who she's taking and how to give e/o what they need.
Everything about the place is really good. if you have anything else you'd like to ask on the place, i'm very willing to answer

[Majorthinker]

ok. thanks a lot. i heard that this year there were a lot of cliques, and that there was very little discipline...from what you say, i gather that this is not necessarily true. is there any foundation to this at all? cuz i heard it fro a couple of girls who popped in to visit during the yr.

[farshtuptemench]

There were some cliques but that's in any place. If anyone tells you that they didn't have any clique in their sem. it's not true. I've seen all the sems in Israel and I've heard from my friends in Fl. sem and I've seen in BR sem. That's life. But it's not cliques the way e/o sees it. E/o is friends with each other. Some are just closer to others.
Regarding discipline, sem is not like hs so you can't put too many rules on the girls. there wasn't as much cracking down on the girls who didn't abide by them as should have been but if you'd have been there you may have understood why. it's not my place to say they details. just suffice it to say that if it wasn't done it wasnt possible. Also the rules were enforced accordingly. (as each girl needed)
What you hear is not entirely unfouded but mostly a lot of exaggeration.

[HaMaysehHa'ikar]

is that the one from the nshei magazine?
yes it is!

[Majorthinker]

thank you!

[humble]

Its a good question why shluchim dont want to take bochurim. I Tg have a great offer if I want to take it and over here they take care of you.
Why is it that in chabad less and less people want to go on shlichus?

[Majorthinker]

hmmm...good question. i have another- ur humble from fs, right?

[humble]

Can anyone answer why in chabad less and less youngster want to go out on shlichus even for a year?
And yes TY Mt its me, the one and only.

[Majorthinker]

lol...i cant answer, its dependent on the ppl. personally i want to go on shlichus, but im told i need one more year of learning first.....

[humble]

For sure as knowledge is power and it will help you out in your work. Do you want to go on shlichus for one year or longer?

[Majorthinker]

i want to go for a couple of yrs, get married, and then do some more. of course all this planning is kafrus, bc moshiach is coming now anyways....so why on earth am i planning?????

[humble]

Im happy to say that Tg we have girls like MT who are going to carry on the traditions.

[Majorthinker]

lol, stop flattering me, please! you're not good for my bittul!:frown: :disapp: :cry:

[humble]

Im sorry. Just its a great thing that there are still people who care about the important things.

[Majorthinker]

lol......i gotta daven maariv and count the omer now, enough of this convo!

[believer]

Its a good question why shluchim dont want to take bochurim. I Tg have a great offer if I want to take it and over here they take care of you.
Why is it that in chabad less and less people want to go on shlichus?
Shlichus is hard. Shlichus is scary. You have to know what your getting in to. People are afraid. Also, people might want to learn certain jobs first like going to a school for interior decorating or medical school or to become a lawyer, etc. and go on shlichus when they are done that and work at the same time.

[humble]

But then they are not going on shlichus if they are working as a doctor etc...
I agree that it is scary but I also think that everyone can handle it. There are not enough shluchim guys and girls.