By COLlive reporter
The Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center, formerly known as the Bedford Armory in Brooklyn, NY hosted thousands of rabbis on Motzoei Shabbos.
Shluchim arrived by buses, cars and even on foot to the large space which was converted into an event hall to host the Melave Malka of the Kinus Hashluchim.
Rabbi Naftali Rot, the elder Shliach from Jerusalem and iconic emcee, noted how it was the Rebbe who requested that a Melava Malka be added to the schedule of the international convention.
Around long tables, Shluchim sat for a festive meal as Chassidic music was sung by Eliasaf Chefetz. They used to opportunity to once again engage with their colleagues and friends.
The line up of speakers shared uplifting messages and calls to action. One common theme was the shared fate that the Shluchim of the Rebbe have.
Kinus Chairman Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky pointed out how what each Shliach does affect the other. Colombia Shliach Rabbi Yehoshua Rosenfeld reminded Shluchim that they are never alone, while Rishon L’tzyon Shliach Rabbi Schneur Ashkenazi called on Shluchim to be peacemakers in their cities.
The Shluchim Rabbi Shmuel Lew of London, Rabbi Sholom Ber Levitin of Seattle and Rabbi Levi Fogelman of Massachusetts shared via video stories of how the Rebbe encouraged maintaining the peace between Shluchim and communities.
Opening speakers were Rabbi Avrohom Osdoba, member of the Crown Heights Beis Din, and Rabbi Avraham Shemtov, Head Shliach of Philadelphia and Chairman of Agudas Chassidei Chabad International.
The first speaker was Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, Mazkir of the Rebbe and Chairman of Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch. He gave over specific reminders that the Rebbe instructed him to tell Shluchim at the Kinus, such as strictly following the law and preparing for Chanukah.
He also recalled how the Rebbe very much wanted an expansion of 770 Eastern Parkway. He said the need has only grown since and asked for the Shluchim’s assistance in making it happen.
As Shluchim left the hall, boxes of candy were waiting for them to take home and treat their children. The Kinus concludes on Sunday at the annual gala banquet in New Jersey.
VIDEO: By Mordehai Lubecki
It’s far past time to put aside our differences and come together as chassidim to expand Beis Rabbeinu 770!
Can you separately post the videos so we can see them?
Very inspirational. Ty
Best musician out there -mendel Deutsch music .!
Really liked the video of the Reform rabbi and the Rebbe. Where can I share it?