Thousands of women emissaries gathered Thursday night at the Bedford Armory for the Kinus Hashluchos General Session, a powerful evening dedicated to Hiskashrus—the deep, enduring bond between a Shlucha (emissary) and the Rebbe.
Titled Igniting the Flame, the program was arranged by the Vaad Hakinus and hosted by Mrs. Chaya Rochel Lieberman, a Shlucha from West Hempstead, NY. Designed by Shluchos, for Shluchos, the evening centered on the unbreakable connection that fuels their global mission.
The program opened with a video featuring Mrs. Bassie Garelik, one of the earliest emissaries sent on Shlichus, sharing her experience moving to Milan, Italy, in 1959. At the time, she was asked how she could leave the warmth of a religious community for an unfamiliar environment where Jewish life was sparse. Wouldn’t her own passion cool over time? Her response: A Shlucha never leaves the fire. The mission itself keeps the flame alive.
“We wanted the evening to reflect that idea,” said Mrs. Mushkie Zimmerman, a Shlucha in Oro Valley, Arizona, and member of the conference organizing team. “A Shliach doesn’t grow distant. The Rebbe’s mission keeps us connected, no matter where we are.”
The program continued with Tehillim (Psalms) led by Mrs. Henya Milecki of Melbourne, Australia, and Mrs. Nechama Greenberg of Oceanside, California, followed by a song composed for the occasion, performed by Mrs. Didi Konikov of Englewood, NJ, and Mrs. Miri Lipskier of Melbourne.
Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, director of the International Conference of Shluchos, addressed the audience, he shared of the tremendous role of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneersohn whose anniversary of passing is marked at the annual conference. “The Rebbetzin spoke of the nachas (joy) she received hearing reports of Shluchos’ activities around the world,” he shared.
A special video tribute honored Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky OB”M, the longtime chairman of the Kinus, highlighting his unwavering dedication to supporting Shluchim and their families. The evening was dedicated to his memory.
A panel discussion followed, featuring four Shluchos from diverse communities—Rivky Herzel (Zambia), Chana Mayer (Charlottesville, VA), Zeldie Richter (Queens, NY), and Rivky Slonim (Binghamton, NY)—who shared personal reflections on how they strengthen their connection to the Rebbe's teachings in their daily lives.
In an interactive segment, attendees were invited to text in a personal resolution (Hachlata) in one word, symbolizing a commitment to deepening their Hiskashrus. These words were displayed on-screen, creating a powerful visual of the collective impact these women will bring to their communities worldwide.
The evening concluded with an emotional medley of songs, reinforcing the core message: wherever their mission takes them, they remain on fire, always connected to the Rebbe's teachings, and to each other, carrying his vision forward.
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