There are 435 Chabad Shluchim in France operating out of 200 Chabad centers and they gathered this week for a two-day regional Kinus Hashluchim in the city of Toulon in southern France.
The gathering was hosted by the local Shliach Rabbi Shalom Bitton and was a beautiful sign of achdus that uplifted all those who participated over Sunday and Monday. “Every Shliach walked throughout the days of the gathering with a smile on his face,” one participant said.
When the French police heard about the gathering, they ensured attention to every detail and provided police protection for it, according to organizers. The magnificent hall where the gathering took place by the sea was illuminated with signs promoting the honor of the Shluchim.
After a light meal, there was an array of workshops offered on spreading and studying Torah online, mental health, liaising with authorities, Moshiach and home visits. There was also a session with veteran Shluchim sharing instructions they received from the Rebbe.
In the evening, a gala banquet was held emceed by Rabbi Shmuel Levin, the Shliach in Douville. Videos shown told about Shluchim who recently passed the story of Shlichus in small towns. The gathering included taking on good resolutions, among them the study of Igros Kodesh, the Rebbe’s letters.
The keynote address was delivered by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Gurewitz, Mashpia of Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim in Migdal Haemek and one of the Rebbe’s Shluchim to Israel. He spoke about learning in the Yeshiva in Burnoy and the niggun Ha’aderes Ve’haemuna.
Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice Chairman of Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch, shared remarks on video. He was thanked for his assistance over the years in organizing the regional Kinus Hashluchim gatherings. They wished him a complete recovery and many good years ahead.
Participants thanked the organizing committee: Rabbi Levin, Rabbi Avrohom Boruch Pewsner, Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Maimon, Rabbi Shalom Pinson, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Matusof, Rabbi Chaim Hillel Matusof, Rabbi Mendy Matusof, Rabbi Shulik Gurewitz, Rabbi Emanuel Toibenblat, Rabbi Shmuel Lubecki, Rabbi Mendel Azimov, and Rabbi Eliyahu Altavie.
