By COLlive reporter
Dozens of Chabad Shluchim from across Long Island in New York gathered on Thursday for a regional Kinus Hashluchim hosted at the new building of Chabad of South Bay Long Island in East Massapequa, led by Rabbi Yona and Devorah Edelkopf.
The gathering marked a dual celebration: the regional Kinus and the completion and Chanukas Habayis of the newly established Chabad center serving Massapequa and surrounding areas.
The Kinus began at 3:00 PM with warm greetings and opening remarks, followed by an address from Rabbi Zalmy Kudan, a Shliach from S. Barbara, California, who shared heartfelt insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Shluchim today, drawing from his own experiences in education and community building.
His words resonated with the Shluchim in attendance, offering both practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement.
After the session, the Shluchim sat down for a beautifully prepared dinner, which offered time for camaraderie, networking, and sharing stories from the field. As always, these informal moments became powerful opportunities for peer-to-peer support, mutual chizuk, and collaboration.
The evening continued with an address by Rabbi Tuvia Teldon, Head Shliach of Long Island, who spoke on the timely topic: “The Times We Live In.” Rabbi Teldon urged the Shluchim to remain steadfast and proactive in their mission, even amidst uncertainty and social change.
“The world is searching,” Rabbi Teldon said. “And our role as Shluchim is not only to respond, but to lead — with Torah, with emes, and with the Rebbe’s vision lighting the way.”
To close the formal program, two new Shluchim Rabbi Avremi Vaisfishe and Rabbi Shmueli Laufer delivered a joint Dvar Malchus, connecting the inspiration of the Kinus with the eternal teachings of the Rebbe.
Their words reflected a fresh perspective and youthful passion, reinforcing the message that the mission of Chabad continues to grow, evolve, and deepen with every new Shliach who joins the Rebbe’s army.
The event also marked the official Chanukas Habayis of the new Chabad House in Massapequa. With the building now open and fully operational, the center is poised to become a vital hub for Yiddishkeit on Long Island’s South Shore.
Shluchim in attendance expressed excitement and admiration for the beautiful new space, which reflects the strength and momentum of Chabad’s presence in the region.
As the Kinus concluded and the Shluchim returned to their respective communities, the message of the day was clear: with unity, purpose, and unwavering connection to the Rebbe’s mission, the light of Torah and Chassidus will continue to spread—until the ultimate redemption, may it be speedily in our days.
