by Rabbi Moishe Kievman
Chabad Chayil

In a world where religious leaders often play a pivotal role in promoting unity, understanding, and goodwill, more than 300 dedicated Florida rabbis will embark on a transformative journey this weekend to the International Kinus Hashluchim. This global event brings together Chabad Shluchim from all corners of the world to share their experiences, exchange ideas, and reaffirm their commitment to serving Jewish communities worldwide.

The Kinus Hashluchim, translated as the “Conference of Emissaries,” is a remarkable and unparalleled gathering. Chabad Lubavitch is known for its open heart to people of all backgrounds and outreach efforts to Jewish communities around the world. This gathering is where the rabbis go to connect, learn, and draw inspiration from one another. 

With well over 5,000 Shluchim in all 50 of the United States; and in over a hundred countries, the international conference is the largest Jewish leadership gathering in North America, and is aimed at reviving Jewish awareness and practice around the world. 

The annual conference started in 1983 with 63 participants. Today, the banquet is attended by over 5,600 rabbis and communal leaders, and holds the record for the largest sit-down dinner in New York. The gathering is an opportunity to refocus our energies on heeding the Rebbe’s call to reach every Jew with love, wherever they may be.

Florida is home to over 200 thriving and diverse Jewish communities, with numerous Chabad centers spread across the state catering to all its Jewish needs. From Key West in the south, and Jacksonville and Tallahassee in the north, these centers serve as vibrant hubs of Jewish life and offer a wide range of services, including innovative educational activities, cutting edge programs for all ages, holiday celebrations and vital social services to individuals and families. 

In Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties there’s at least one Chabad Center at almost every exit, with many having multiple.. Just on the Ives Dairy Rd exit, west of 95 you have Chabad Centers in California Club, Aventura Isles and Coco Kay, while east of 95 you have a center in Skylake, Chabad Chayil in Highland Lakes, Aventura North, Aventura South, one in the Waterways and another as east as Golden Beach. That’s at least 9 Chabad centers off just 1 one exit!

According to the most recent pew study, the majority of American Jewry in general, and younger Jews in particular, are affiliated with Chabad. Whether they attend services there or only send their children to Chabad for Hebrew School, whether they enjoy Shabbat Dinners at Chabad on college campus or have fun at their local CTeen chapter, almost every Jewish family has some type of Chabad affiliation. 

For the 300+ Florida’s rabbis traveling to NY this weekend, attending this year’s Kinus carries extra significance. With situation in Israel due to the all time high rate of antisemitism and people taking up the fight for either good or evil, good people are turning to Chabad and authentic Judaism for clear direction and guidance. Chabad Rabbis coming together at this critical time is a unique opportunity for them to learn from each other’s experiences and then bring what they learned back to their respective communities. 

The annual International Kinus Hashluchim takes place at Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Conference highlights include a visit to The Rebbe’s Ohel in Queens, the annual “Class Photo” in front of Chabad-Lubavitch iconic headquarters known as 770, the world’s largest sit-down Kosher dinner and of course the many workshops, seminars, and lectures cover a wide range of topics. These sessions not only equip the rabbis with new skills but also ignite their passion for their ongoing mission.

By sharing from each other’s experiences and challenges, rabbis create a sense of unity among fellow emissaries, knowing that they are not alone in their struggles and triumphs. This collective strength inspires them to continue their important work with renewed vigor and purpose.

The impact of the International Kinus Hashluchim extends far beyond the walls of Crown Heights. When Florida rabbis return to their communities, they bring with them fresh ideas, energy, and inspiration. Their experiences at the Kinus influence the programs they offer, the connections they make, and the way they engage with their congregations and neighbors.

The Rebbe taught us that every person is endowed with importance and every positive act is a cause for celebration and empowers me as I strive to better myself. Anyone and everyone can join in the Chabad work and be an ambassador of good. 

And now, thanks to technology, anyone with internet access can join the Kinus! I invite you to watch 5,600 rabbis and leaders from around the world, including our delegation from Miami, celebrate Jewish life in more than 100 countries, broadcasted live this coming Sunday, Nov 12, 1:00pm at ChabadChayil.org/Kinus.

About the author:
Rabbi Kievman together with his wife are the ambassadors of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, FL. They are the founders of Gan Chabad Preschool, your local CTeen & CKids chapters, CHAP – an afterschool program for Jewish children in Public Schools and direct Chabad Chayil. He’s the rabbi at The Family Shul and can be reached at (305) 770-1919 or rabbi@ChabadChayil.org