Thousands of Chabad Shluchim gathered at the Bedford Armory last night for the opening session of the Kinus Hashluchim, marking the 50th anniversary of the Rebbe’s transformative outreach campaigns; The Mivtzoim. The conference began on an emotional note, set against the backdrop of a challenging year for the global Jewish community.
Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, stepping into his father Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky’s role directing the conference, opened the evening with heartfelt remarks. He expressed gratitude for the support he has received in recent months in undertaking his father’s roles since his passing and invoked the Rebbe’s words from the first Kinus 40 years ago, urging everyone to approach the world with nonjudgemental kindness and love. “We gather here to see the world through the Rebbe’s eyes,” Rabbi Kotlarsky said.
He also reflected on the horrific murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan HY”D, less than a week ago in Dubai, and how the world got a glimpse into sacrifices made by shluchim and the urgency of their mission to spread light and love in a fractured world. Rabbi Sholom Duchman of Brooklyn, father of Rabbi Levi Duchman Chief Rabbi of UAE, recited Mishnayos and Kaddish for Rabbi Kogan.
The theme, “Fifty Years of Mivtzoim,” traced the historic origins of these initiatives. Rabbi Motti Wilhelm of Portland, Oregon, led the session, introducing the speakers and guiding the program, Rabbi Avrohom Hertz of Brooklyn represented the Vaad Rabbonei Lubavitch, and Rabbi Dovid Kotlarsky of Chicago delivered a poignant Dvar Torah, highlighting the spiritual power of Mitzvah campaigns.
A solemn recitation of Tehillim opened the program, uniting the audience in prayer for Israel, the hostages and the world. Video presentations provided a historical overview of Mivtzoim, recalling the Rebbe’s call to action following the tragedies of 5734. These campaigns, from Mivtza Mezuzah to the launch of “mitzvah tanks,” have defined Chabad’s mission for decades.
Rabbi Menachem Kutner of Kfar Chabad shared moving stories from his work with terror victims, illustrating the transformative power of mitzvot. Rabbi Yosef Vigler of Brooklyn spoke about enlisting community members in Mivtzoim, underscoring the potential for collective action. Rabbi Arie Sigaloff recounted his experiences driving the Mitzvah Tank Argentina to remote areas, connecting Jews in isolated regions. “One Jew at a time,” he said, “one mitzvah at a time.”
Throughout the evening, the speakers emphasized practical and impactful ways to perpetuate the Mivtzoim. “Start small,” Rabbi Wilhelm urged. “Whether it’s a Tefillin club, a kosher walk-through, or gifting a mezuzah—every mitzvah counts.”
The Kinus Hashluchim continues today with a poignant visit to the Ohel, where the thousands of shluchim draw strength there and pray for their communities, the Jewish people, and the world.
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