At the end of Shiur Daled in Oholei Torah, bachurim are told they’re being sent out as shluchei haRebbe. But in reality, the outcome hinges on one thing: one person’s discretion—Choni Lesches.

Not a system. Not transparency.

Personal judgment.

Who gets good options. Who gets limited options. Who gets sidelined entirely. The pattern many bachurim experience is simple: if you’re liked, doors open. If you’re not, they close. The process feels less like mission placement and more like a social scorecard—how you’re perceived, how often you make the right impression, how comfortable you make the decision-maker feel.

When outcomes depend on personal chemistry rather than clear criteria, favoritism isn’t an exception—it’s built in.

That’s the deeper problem.

Because once placements depend on feelings, jokes, and rapport, the process stops being principled. Bachurim learn quickly that success isn’t about readiness for shlichus, but about approval. That breeds insecurity, quiet resentment, and mistrust—especially when futures are decided behind closed doors.

This isn’t about intent. It’s about power without accountability.

And when you combine that with language like shluchei haRebbe, the disconnect becomes glaring. If the Rebbe is not directly authorizing these decisions—and one individual’s personal impressions carry decisive weight—then honesty is required.

Call it placements.

Call it assignments.

But don’t call it what it no longer structurally is.

Shlichus isn’t supposed to depend on who you make laugh.

It’s supposed to depend on a mandate.

And when that line blurs, people are right to question the entire process.