Participating in the International Chabad Shluchim Convention is always an inspiration, yet this year more than ever, being together is so important.
With Rabbis from Dubai who just lost one of their own to a terror attack, to Rabbis from Northern, Southern and Central Israel who are still going through so many challenges, to Rabbis from Ukraine and Russia who are dealing with so many challenges of their own, and of course all of my friends who run Chabad Houses on College Campuses and so many small and big communities from around the globe, it is a truly one of a kind experience.
I have had conversations already with my friends from Israel, some of whom just finished army duty, with others who are hoping to finally be able to rebuild their destroyed towns and communities, to others who are helping their own children and communities recover from trauma, and friends from Kharkov, Kherson and so many other cities who are dealing with their own set of crazy challenges, friends from Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, the UK, France, Germany, Russia, and so many other places.
I had particular moving conversations with Rabbi Yossi Wolf from Kherson, Ukraine, Rabbi Itzik Neymark from Chabad of Hebron, Rabbi אשר פיזם of Sedorot and Rabbi Sassonkin from Metullah, Northern Israel.
The energy is intense, uplifting and powerful, even as everyone is reeling in pain from the murder of our fellow Chabad Rabbi in Dubai just a few days ago (read more below), and coming on the heals of the terrible war, suffering and losses that Israel has been dealing with.
If you want to feel the pulse of the Jewish communities around the world, and see how it is pumping and healthy and flowing with joy, energy, determination, meaning and growth, see this convention in action.
This morning, thousands of us gathered at the Rebbe's resting place for a joint prayer gathering where we collectively prayed to G-d for our communities, world peace, Israel, the return of the hostages, and so much more. As you look around and observe the hearts and minds of people from all over the world deep in prayer and reflection, a few tear soaked faces, some obviously carrying pain, and all full of determination, you know that G-d willing Am Yisrael Chai is a concept and reality that will continue to grow in leaps and bounds!
Shabbat Shalom from Brooklyn!
Yisroel