Kinus Hashluchos 5784: Visiting The Ohel

Chabad-Lubavitch women emissaries gather for prayer and reflection at the Ohel, the resting place of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, in the Queens borough of New York on February 1st, 2024. The women are among the thousands of communal leaders who converged from around the world to attend the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries, an annual event aimed at strengthening global Jewish awareness and practice.

The prayerful visit to the resting places of Schneerson, one of the most influential global leaders of Judaism, and his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, whose day of passing is marked today, is the official initiation of the conference. Many conference participants brought prayer petitions with them from their far-flung communities to leave at Schneerson’s resting place.

After the holocaust, Schneerson spearheaded a worldwide revival of Judaism and encouraged people of all faiths to heed universal moral teachings about honoring God, respecting others and doing more good in their everyday lives. Millions are impacted worldwide by his uniquely optimistic, uplifting, and empowering teachings.

“This year’s conference comes when the Jewish people worldwide, especially in Israel, are experiencing tremendous upheaval. The Shluchos have been on the frontlines, addressing the physical and emotional challenges of their communities nonstop,” says Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Chairman of the International Conference of Shluchos and Vice-Chairman of Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch. “The conference begins with a visit to the Ohel where the inspiration will infuse them with renewed strength to continue their critical mission.”