World's largest rabbinic gathering to honor victims of Pittsburgh massacre

Last week, the 10 rabbis of the seven metro Orlando Chabad centers joined 5,600 rabbis and communal leaders from all 50 U.S. states and more than 100 countries, hailing from as far away as Laos and Angola, Ghana and Uzbekistan, at the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries (Kinus Hashluchim) in Brooklyn, N.Y.

The annual event, the largest Jewish gathering in North America, came just days after the horrific anti-Semitic shooting in Pittsburgh that left 11 dead and as the Chabad-Lubavitch movement marks nearly 10 years since the murder of Rabbi Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg, directors of Chabad-Lubavitch of Mumbai, in the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. 

"All year we are building and strengthening our local Jewish communities, it is extremely inspiring to come together and see the big picture of how we are part something global and the fastest growing Jewish movement," said Rabbi Yanky Majesky of the Chabad of North Orlando. "On a personal level, my siblings and classmates are Chabad rabbis all over the world, this is a great chance to catch up and of course learn best practices from each other."

The rabbis-each embracing multiple roles and responsibilities-explored relevant issues, and learned from professionals and colleagues with years of experience. The topics covered run the gamut of their concerns: combating anti-Semitism; counseling and guiding congregations in the aftermath of the Pittsburgh attacks; synagogue security; the opioid epidemic; mental health; stemming the tide of assimilation; counseling troubled relationships; inclusion; and a conference within the conference for rabbis who serve students on college campuses, ensuring a lasting impact on the next generation.

They continue the legacy of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, who spearheaded a global Jewish revival after the Holocaust. Universally known simply as the Rebbe, Rabbi Schneerson is considered the most influential rabbi in modern history. Although he passed away 24 years ago, the Rebbe's legacy remains as vibrant as ever. His teachings continue to be a guiding force as a new generation of both Jews and non-Jews seeks to positively change the world for the better.

The conference will include a memorial for the victims of the Pittsburgh Massacre. In Orlando, the Pittsburgh Massacre was commemorated with a Memorial Service and Mitzvah Campaign in honor of the victims, on Monday night, Oct. 29, at the Chabad Center in Maitland.