EDISON, N.J. — Thousands of Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries and their guests from around the world gathered this week in New Jersey for the 42nd International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries (Kinus Hashluchim), culminating in a gala banquet celebrating the movement’s growth and global mission.
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The five-day conference brought together 6,500 rabbis and their families, highlighting the continued expansion of Chabad centers worldwide and the enduring influence of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory. Participants engaged in workshops, study sessions, prayers, and programs emphasizing outreach, education, and communal service.
In his opening remarks, Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Director of the conference, recalled the Rebbe’s dedication to others, noting stories of his personal care even amid grueling public events. The Rebbe’s message, he said, continues to guide Chabad emissaries to go wherever needed and impact every community with acts of Jewish learning, kindness, and service.
The program included inspiring stories of resilience and dedication. Rabbi Yaakov Raskin of Jamaica shared how he responded to Hurricane Melissa, drawing strength from his grandfather’s example and the Rebbe’s teachings. Staff Sgt. Ben Craig, a U.S. Marine with a previously limited Jewish background, described how his connection to a Chabad chaplain in Japan transformed his life, leading him to embrace Torah study, tefillin, and Jewish outreach.
One of the most moving moments came from 7-year-old Zalmy Feldman of Nes Tziona, Israel, who, after surviving a severe illness that resulted in the loss of his legs, spoke of perseverance and carrying forward the mission of a Rebbe’s emissary. The conference also featured a livestreamed message from Rabbi Liraz Zeira, who recently lost his legs while serving in Syria, declaring his readiness to continue his work despite his injuries.
The gala concluded with the completion of a Torah scroll dedicated to Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, a cherished leader of the conference. A traditional “roll call” of emissaries, now organized by continent due to the exponential growth of Chabad centers, was followed by music, dancing, and celebrations that symbolized the movement’s unity and worldwide reach.
The event underscored Chabad’s commitment to Jewish engagement, education, and resilience, emphasizing that even in the face of modern challenges, emissaries continue to carry forward the Rebbe’s vision of spreading Torah, kindness, and community across the globe.
Thank You, Hashem
You gave us the Rebbe who continues to guide us and bring all of us closer to Hashem and His Will.
Chabad is not my derech. The whole Chassidus way is not for me. My Litvish upbringing taught differently. But there is no denying it, Chabad impacts Jews throughout the world. And if travelling and my plane leaves me stuck for shabbos in some far-out location, I wouldn’t be searching for the local Litvak, I would call Chabad because they are the ambassadors of Klal Yisroel, and each Chabad House is the Embassy of Yiddishkeit.