Kinus Hashluchim Gala Banquet 5780

By COLlive reporter
Photos by Shimi Kutner

“The most important factor behind the rebirth of traditional Jewish life is the worldwide network of Chabad Shluchim.”

U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman made that statement during his remarks at the gala banquet of the International Kinus Hashluchim held in Edison, New Jersey, on Sunday.

Friedman told a crowd of 5,800 Shluchim and supporters – and thousands more watching online – how his own life has been influenced by his connection with Chabad and the Rebbe.

It was his 8th time participating at the annual glitzy evening that includes a sit-down dinner, inspiring speeches, video production, and dancing that concludes the convention of Chabad Rabbis.

“Among the millions of people helped by Chabad include myself,” Friedman said, recalling how he first met Rabbi Zalman Wolowik, Director of Chabad of the Five Towns, where he lived before being appointed as a diplomat.

He said that he had suffered from back pain which abruptly stopped after checking the Mezuzos in his home and Tefillin, as the Rebbe would instruct when facing a problem. The parchment was indeed found to be non-kosher.

Friedman, who kept his speech apolitical in Chabad fashion, said he regularly visits and davens at the Rebbe’s Ohel. The latest was when he asked for his daughter to build a Jewish home and soon after received a phone call about her impending engagement.

The event at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center was opened by Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice Chairman of Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch, and with greetings by Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, Chairman of Merkos and Machne Israel.

Tehilim was recited by Rabbi Chaim Bar Sella – Shliach in Kigali, Rwanda, and Rabbi Zalman Gorelik – Head Shliach of Be’er Sheva, Israel.

The Dvar Torah of the evening was written by Rabbi Yitzi Hurwitz, the Shliach who is bravely battling ALS. His son Sholom Hurwitz, who recently celebrated his Bar Mitzvah, deeply moved the crowd when he read it and concluded with “L’chaim tatty!”

Throughout the evening, musician Avremi G and the A Team Orchestra played Chassidic niggunim sung by Chazan Yitzchak Meir Helfgot and singer Mendy Jerufi.

The keynote address was delivered by Rabbi Yitzchok Schochet, Shliach and Rabbi of Mill Hill in London, England, who eloquently described the dedication of Chabad Shluchim, going out of their way to help and support fellow Jews in any area of need.

He was followed by a group of Shluchim telling their stories: Rabbi Yehuda Weg – Shliach in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Rabbi Mendy Chitrik – Shliach in Istanbul, Turkey; and Rabbi Zeev Stiefel – Shliach in Piestany, Slovakia.

The evening concluded with a tribute to the Shluchim who passed away this past year, the International Roll Call, and joyous singing and dancing, bringing to a close the Kinus Hashluchim with its uplifting and motivating mission.

VIDEO: Full Replay