Latin America Kinus Banquet Electrifies Community with Message of Unity

Last week, 30 Shluchim from 11 Spanish-speaking countries across Latin America gathered in Panama City for two days of sharing ideas and strengthening their commitment to bringing Yiddishkeit to all corners of the region. In the spirit of Hakhel, the Kinus culminated with an inspiring banquet with hundreds of locals participating.

Throughout the Kinus, there was tremendous energy in the air, with Shluchim sharing ideas and collaborating on various elements of Shlichus. The program was hosted by Chabad of Panama. Sessions were held at the Chabad House of Panama City, led by Rabbi Mendi and Braha Karniel.

A powerful element of the Kinus was the bonding between senior Shluchim with the younger generation. Countless hours were spent with the Shluchim, sharing insights from their personal experiences and directives they received from the Rebbe for their Shlichus.

Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Chairman of the International Kinus and entrusted by the Rebbe with overseeing regional Kinusim, joined virtually and shared words of encouragement and inspiration with the Shluchim, giving over personal stories of the Rebbe with practical insights for Shlichus.

The closing banquet was held in the social hall of the community center – Beth El. The beautiful dinner brought together 300 local community members to participate with the Shluchim in the uniquely inspiring event. The energy in the air was electrifying as everyone was moved by the messages of unity and growth.

The evening was opened by Rabbi Aaron Laine, Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi and Head Shliach of Panama, who emphasized how the Latin American community is assisted by the global network of Shluchim, be it on college campuses, health centers, or tourist locations worldwide.

Mr. Dovi Eisenman, past president of the Ashkenazi Shul, spoke about the beautiful collaboration between Chabad and the local community.

One of the notable moments of the banquet was the Siyum Harambam, conducted by Mr. Shmuel Dornbusch, one of the leading Chabad activists and benefactors in Panama. Inspired by his accomplishment, many attendees committed to studying the daily Rambam as well.

The event also featured a video presentation displaying Chabad’s impact in Latin America. Keynote addresses were delivered by Rabbi Yehoshua Rosenblum, Shliach in Caracas, Venezuela, and Mr. Isaac Btesh, a local philanthropist and community leader. Words of inspiration were given by CTeen International Leader of the Year, Moi Rembaum.

Local businessman Mr. Izzy Fidlmen spoke about his passion for going on Mivtzoim daily, where he has helped Yidden lay Tefillin over 2,000 times this past year. He encouraged others to get involved and positively influence their friends, family and coworkers.

Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, who represented Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch at the Kinus, shared with the Shluchim the unique opportunities in collaborating with other Shluchim and Chabad central to help maximize impact on Shlichus. He emphasized how the Latin American Shluchim truly exemplify the unique power collaboration as evidenced by the tremendous success of programs such as JewQ and CTeen in the region.

As the Kinus came to a close, the Shluchim made a range of Hachlatas to continue their work and strengthen their impact in the region. These included launching Tzeirei Hashluchim of Central & South America, expanding Merkos Shlichus throughout Latin America, and conducting a summer learning program in Kolel Torah Panama, for Spanish-speaking youth looking for a taste of Yeshiva. A weekly Shiur bringing together the Latin American Shluchim in the spirit of Hakhel was launched as well.

The Kinus was a resounding success, and the Shluchim left feeling inspired, motivated, and ready to continue their vital work in Latin America. The committee of Shluchim from Central and Latin America prepared for over a month for the incredible conference.

The Latin American Kinus was a tremendous demonstration of the Shluchim’s work in actualizing the Rebbe’s vision for the rebirth of Yiddishkeit in the Region.