The five-day International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Women Emissaries (Kinus Hashluchot) in New York concluded this morning with a group visit to the Ohel, the resting place of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, and his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, of righteous memory. The visit held added significance, taking place on the 38th anniversary of the Rebbetzin's passing on 22 Shevat (Monday, Feb. 9).
“It's so powerful to be by the resting places of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin with all of my sister shluchot on such a special day,” says Chaya Posner of Rancho Mirage, Calif. “It has an extra meaning, and I really feel energized.”
Thousands of female Jewish leaders from around the world converged on New York for the conference, which featured more than 30 workshops, the iconic “class photo,” and a gala banquet, before it was capped by this morning's visit to the Ohel. Together with their husbands, these women are among the more than 6,500 Chabad emissary couples serving Jewish communities worldwide, from Accra, Ghana, to Zurich, Switzerland. The conference provides attendees with an opportunity to connect with their peers, share experiences, and rededicate themselves to their sacred mission.
Posner’s mother, Mrs. Hindy Lew, a long-time emissary in London, merited to spend time with the Rebbetzin owing to the close connection of her father, Mr. Zalmon Jaffe, with the Rebbe and Rebbetzin. She reflected on the conference's evolution over time. “It's grown tremendously from those early years. It's amazing.”
Riva Cohen has served as an emissary in Melbourne, Australia, for over 50 years. Her husband, Rabbi Binyomin Cohen, is the Dean of the Rabbinical College of Australia and N.Z., and has educated hundreds of students who have gone on to lead Jewish communities throughout the world. Riva has been a leader of N'shei Chabad Melbourne for decades.
“When we first started coming to the Kinus HaShluchot, it took 36 hours to get here from Australia. Now, it's only 24,” she says with a laugh. “But it's worth it, to be here at the Ohel with my fellow women emissaries, many of whom are young and went to lead communities long after the Rebbe's passing.”
For Ruchama Deian, who has served as an emissary in Milan, Italy, for five years, the experience was deeply moving. “I feel really privileged to be here,” she says. “I didn't grow up on shlichut, and seeing the amazing sisterhood I get to be a part of doing the Rebbe's work makes me feel incredibly lucky and blessed.”
“There's a powerful video of the Rebbe farewelling guests who came to spend the High Holiday season with him. The Rebbe stands by the door of 770 as the guests pack onto a bus on their way to the airport to go home, and watches them depart with his blessings,” says Chana Lowenthal of Copenhagen, Denmark. “That's the feeling I have coming to the Rebbe's resting place today at the conclusion of the Kinus: the Rebbe is farewelling us as we go back home to continue his work.”
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