Shaliach
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Shaliach (Hebrew: שָלִיחַ; plural שְלִיחִים, shlichim or Shliach plural Shluchim), in Judaism, is the concept of an emissary. In halakha (Jewish religious law) there are special laws that apply to a shaliach.
[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 1950's, 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, 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. Chabad Pioneered the Baal teshuva Kiruv movement. Presently, Chabad Shluchim number about 4,000 worldwide.
The Jewish Agency for Israel sends communal shlichim from Israel to help in Zionist outreach within the diaspora community. They often take roles in assisting educational or Zionist groups with an aim of creating a stronger connection between Israel and Jewish communities around the world, and ultimately to encourage aliyah (emigration to Israel).
In the Aleph Zadik Aleph, a Shaliach serves on international, (most) regional, and (most) chapter boards. This member is in charge of community service and Judaic affairs.
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