No Joke: 20 Rabbis Say L’Chaim in Guatemala

Shluchim from Latin and Central America, as well as the Caribbean Islands gathered last week in Guatemala for a regional Kinus, the first such event in the region. The get-together was made possible thanks to the increase of Shluchim to the area, and is a testament to the strengthening of the blossoming communities made possible by Chabad.

“It had a tremendous impact on both the Shluchim and our local community,” said Rabi Shimon Pelman, who hosted the Kinus along with his wife, Michal. “Never before had Guatemala had so many Rabbis at once!”

The Kinus featured intriguing sessions and workshops, with discussion centered on issues unique to the region, including how to balance catering to tourists and areas with mall Jewish populations t the same time.

The event was coordinated by the Pelmans in conjunction with the the Kinus office of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch. “It was heartwarming to be a part of this historic first,” said Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, who attended the Kinus. “We look forward to seeing even more growth and more Shluchim joining this incredible army.”

Many locals joined the 20 plus Shluchim at a banquet, and were impressed by the Chabad global network. “The Kinus gave them a deeper look into what Chabad is and does, and how the Rebbe affects the entire world,” said Pelman.

Rabbi Yehoshua Binyomin Rosenfeld, of Bogota, Colombia, delivered the keynote address, inspiring lay leaders and Shluchim alike with his beautiful tales of mesirus nefesh on Shlichus.