On Faith and Fortitude: Jewish Women Speak At Chabad International Conference
NEW YORK, NY — The International Conference of Shluchos (f. representatives) concluded Sunday at the gala banquet at the New York Hilton. As 2,900 women poured into the hotel, they greeted old friends and relatives warmly. And at each person’s place, the joyful faces of Rabbi Gavriel and Mrs. Rivkah Holtzberg, adorning the latest issue of Lubavitch International, smiled up at them.
It was this dichotomy of success and challenge, of happiness and despondency, which served so fittingly as the evening’s backdrop. And it is this contrast, after all, that shapes the current reality of every Chabad representative in every locale. Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, director of the Conference, told attendees, “that in the face of adversity, we can only go forward with greater strength.” The vice chairman of the Lubavitch educational division acknowledged the global challenge, but said, “we will stand strong and stronger than strong. And we will do so with joy.”
“It is not that we are not affected by the worst financial crisis,” explained Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, chairman of the educational and social services divisions of Lubavitch. “But Chabad is in the business of saving lives, and where Jewish life is at stake, cutabacks are not an option.” Krinsky challenged the large Jewish philanthropies, among them the UJC, to learn from Chabad’s successes. “We invite the leaders of the major Jewish philanthropic organizations to join hands with us.”
The energy flowing from table to table evidenced the fact that not one woman was considering slowing down. Though for one short night, the shluchos were not consumed with the need to prepare a lecture, whip up a gourmet meal, or counsel a college student, their vitality was ever-present. They chatted with lay leaders and colleagues, sharing stories of hardship and triumph that crossed all age and physical borders. It was, as many women expressed, a family gathering.
