BROOKLYN, NY — More than 6,500 Chabad rabbis and Jewish leaders from around the world gathered in New York from Thursday, Nov. 13 through Sunday, Nov. 16 for the annual International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries (Kinus Hashluchim) — the largest rabbinic gathering in the Jewish world. Delegates attended from all 50 U.S. states and over 100 countries, uniting for workshops, learning, and renewed mission.
The Sarasota–Venice–Manatee region was well represented with local rabbis in attendance: Rabbi Sholom Schmerling and Rabbi Yosef Buchman of Chabad of Venice; Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz of Sarasota; Rabbi Mendy Steinmetz of Sarasota; Rabbi Levi Steinmetz of Downtown Sarasota; Rabbi Zev Steinmetz of West Bradenton; and Rabbi Mendy Bukiet of Lakewood Ranch.
In addition, Chabad of Venice member Steven Kowalsky joined the Kinus banquet, experiencing the global scale and spirit of the Shluchim movement firsthand.
Local rabbis from across the Sarasota–Venice–Manatee region at the Kinus.
A weekend of learning, unity, and strength
This year’s Kinus held added meaning as Jewish communities worldwide continue to respond to the post–October 7 environment. Rather than retreating, Jewish engagement has risen dramatically. Workshops throughout the weekend explored how to support families, young adults, seniors, and college students seeking connection today in record numbers.
Rabbi Yosef Buchman shared: “You could feel the energy everywhere. Jews around the world are searching for strength, meaning, and direction. Being part of a global team working to bring more light into the world is incredibly uplifting.”
Prayers at the Ohel
A profound highlight of the weekend was Friday’s visit to the Ohel, the resting place of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. More than one million people visit the Ohel each year, making it the most visited Jewish site outside Israel.
Friday at the Ohel, the resting place of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
Rabbi Sholom Schmerling reflected: “Standing at the Ohel with thousands of Shluchim is indescribable. I brought with me the names and prayers of our Venice & North Port community. It is a privilege to carry our community’s hopes and blessings to such a holy place.”
The iconic class photo
Assembling for the class photo outside 770 Eastern Parkway.
On Sunday, thousands of rabbis gathered in front of 770 Eastern Parkway — the headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement — for the traditional “class photo.” Stretching block after block, the annual picture has become a powerful symbol of Jewish unity, continuity, and resilience.
A global banquet of Jewish pride
The conference culminated in the Gala Banquet at the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center, where more than 6,500 rabbis and thousands of lay leaders joined together. The program included several moving addresses, including the testimony of Rabbi Yaakov Raskin of Jamaica, who shared his experience surviving Category 5 Hurricane Melissa.
For the first time, Chabad of Venice member Steven Kowalsky attended the banquet. He described it as: “An unforgettable experience — the unity, the mission, the Jewish pride in the room was unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed.”
The evening concluded with spirited Chassidic singing and dancing, filling the room with joy and determination.
Bringing the inspiration home
Reflecting on the Kinus, Rabbi Sholom Schmerling said: “The Kinus gives you new strength. Being with thousands of fellow Shluchim inspires you to bring even more love, light, and Jewish pride back home.”
As our local rabbis return, the inspiration of the Kinus continues to energize Jewish life across Sarasota–Manatee Counties.
