By COLlive reporter
This past Sunday, the regional gathering of Chabad Shluchim in Austria took place at the magnificent castle campus of the Chabad Girls’ Seminary.
On this occasion, the seminary campus—which operates throughout the year in English and hosts Chabad students from around the world—graciously opened its doors for this special event. Nestled at the foot of the Alps, just an hour from Vienna, the campus features a stunning historic castle and more facilities, a private park, and sports fields.
The Kinus welcomed around 100 Shluchim and Shluchos participants, along with approximately 120 of their children. All gathered for a full day of study, discussion, inspiration, and heartfelt Chassidic camaraderie.
Three parallel programs were held on site: one for the Shluchim, one for the Shluchos, and a third for the Shluchim’s children—each with its own unique and engaging content.
Throughout the day, renowned lecturers delivered talks via Zoom, focusing on relevant topics and practical guidance in Shlichus. In addition, professional panels were held to facilitate discussion and sharing of experiences.
The day concluded with a festive banquet attended by the guest of honor and a local friend of Chabad, philanthropist Rabbi Shmuel Shapira. He shared personal memories and spoke about his father, the late Knesset member Rabbi Avraham Yosef Shapira, who had a close connection with the Rebbe and carried out missions on his behalf.
Also addressing the gathering were British Jewish journalist Josh Aronson, and Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, who delivered greetings on behalf of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, continuing the tradition of his late father Rabbi Moshe OBM.
Later in the evening, a Siyum Masechta was held as the Rebbe’s Horoah for the nine days.
The event concluded with the collective signing of a Pidyon Nefesh to be brought to the Rebbe’s Ohel, followed by a heartfelt Chassidic farbrengen.
