This week, I had the privilege of representing Chabad of Venice at the Living Legacy Conference in Washington, D.C., together with hundreds of Chabad rabbis representing communities throughout the United States and around the world.
The conference was organized in advance of the Rebbe’s upcoming 32nd yahrtzeit and in conjunction with America’s celebration of its 250th anniversary. The theme was both timely and inspiring: reflecting on the Rebbe’s enduring impact on Jews and non-Jews worldwide while celebrating the unique freedoms and opportunities that America has provided for generations.
The Rebbe often spoke about the blessings of America and the responsibility that comes with those blessings. He saw America’s founding values — faith, liberty, education, personal responsibility, and concern for others — not merely as ideals to be admired, but as tools to help transform society through acts of goodness and kindness.
A bipartisan breakfast in the Senate
Our program began Tuesday morning with a bipartisan breakfast in the U.S. Senate’s Hart Building. Among the many elected officials who addressed the gathering were Senator Susan Collins of Maine, Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma, Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Congressman Steny Hoyer of Maryland, Congressman Mike Lawler of New York, Congressman Randy Fine — known as the “Hebrew Hammer” — and others from both parties. Their remarks reflected a shared commitment to religious freedom, education, support for Israel, and the ongoing fight against antisemitism.
Perhaps the most meaningful aspect of the conference was witnessing firsthand how the Rebbe’s message rises above politics. Chabad does not align itself with any political party; our mission is to strengthen Jewish life and promote values that benefit society as a whole. Time and again, elected officials from both parties expressed appreciation for the opportunity to gather in a setting where disagreements could be set aside and common values could take center stage. In an increasingly polarized world, it was inspiring to see people with differing viewpoints come together around shared commitments to faith, education, freedom, personal responsibility, and acts of goodness and kindness. It was a powerful reminder that while politics often divides, values can unite — and that meaningful solutions are often found when people come together around a higher purpose.
Treasures at the Library of Congress
From there, we walked to the Library of Congress, where we were given a remarkable opportunity to view some of the institution’s most treasured Judaic holdings. Among the highlights were an early printing of the Tanya, the foundational work of Chabad Chassidic thought, and the famous Washington Haggadah dating back to the 1400s. Standing before these centuries-old treasures was a powerful reminder that while Jewish history stretches back thousands of years, its teachings remain vibrant and relevant today.
An early edition of the Tanya among the Library of Congress’s Judaic holdings.
During the day, I also had the opportunity to meet personally with our local Congressman, Greg Steube. We discussed the importance of ensuring that Jewish families feel safe practicing their faith, the need to continue confronting antisemitism, and the value of strengthening education and moral leadership within our communities.
With Congressman Greg Steube of Sarasota County, on Capitol Hill.
At the State Department
One of the most memorable experiences of the conference was our visit to the U.S. State Department. Gathered in one of its most prestigious reception halls, normally reserved for diplomats and senior officials, we heard from leaders engaged in some of the world’s most important work.
Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter spoke passionately about the Rebbe’s influence on his life and leadership. He shared that he is personally involved in critical diplomatic efforts on behalf of Israel and remarked how meaningful it was to hear directly from Chabad representatives serving communities throughout the world. He noted that the perspectives shared by the rabbis would remain with him as he continued those important responsibilities.
We also heard from a distinguished panel of ambassadors and government officials, including representatives of the European Union and Australia, as well as Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, who spoke about the importance of combating antisemitism not only through enforcement, but through education, understanding, and the strengthening of Jewish life.
A recurring theme throughout these discussions was that fighting antisemitism cannot be limited to responding after incidents occur. The greater challenge is education: teaching values, promoting understanding, and ensuring that future generations appreciate the dignity and worth of every human being. Equally important is empowering Jewish institutions to flourish openly and confidently, enabling Jews not only to be safe, but to be proud and engaged in their Jewish identity.
That evening, we attended a gala reception at the Organization of American States in the magnificent Hall of the Americas. There, I had the opportunity to meet diplomats, military leaders, and public officials from across the country. One particularly meaningful conversation was with General Allen. At a time when major developments were unfolding in the Middle East, it was reassuring to hear the seriousness and determination with which our nation’s leaders approach their responsibilities. We shared our hopes and prayers for the safety and success of those entrusted with defending freedom and security.
With Air Force General Allen at the gala reception in the Hall of the Americas.
Wednesday at the White House
On Wednesday morning, we were invited to the White House. We met with senior administration officials, including Assistant to the President Will Scharf and Jacob Reses, Chief of Staff to Vice President J.D. Vance. As proud Jews serving at the highest levels of government, they spoke openly about the importance of religious liberty, Jewish communal life, and the administration’s commitment to combating antisemitism.
A smaller group of participants was then given the opportunity to spend nearly an hour with Vice President J.D. Vance. Chabad representatives shared firsthand accounts of the opportunities and challenges facing Jewish communities today. It was a rare opportunity for national leaders to hear directly from those serving on the front lines of Jewish life, education, and community building.
The message was clear: the safety and well-being of Jewish communities remains a priority, and the fight against antisemitism requires vigilance, creativity, and partnership between government and local communities. At the same time, we were reminded that the ultimate answer is not only combating hatred, but strengthening Jewish life, Jewish education, and Jewish pride.
Coming home
As the conference concluded, I left Washington with a deep sense of gratitude and optimism. While headlines often focus on division and conflict, these two days provided a different perspective. They reminded us that there are many people of goodwill, on both sides of the political aisle and throughout government, who are listening, who care, and who are committed to strengthening our nation.
What impressed me most was not merely the access to influential leaders, but the realization that the Rebbe’s message continues to resonate in places of tremendous responsibility and influence. Again and again, we heard how faith, moral clarity, education, personal responsibility, and concern for others remain essential ingredients for a strong America and a better world.
As American Jews, we are blessed to live in a country that grants us extraordinary freedoms and opportunities. Those freedoms should never be taken for granted. As we celebrate both the Rebbe’s legacy and America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, may we continue working together to preserve those blessings and ensure that future generations can enjoy them as well.
As we approach the Rebbe’s yahrtzeit, I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to learn more about his vision and teachings and to share that inspiration within your own circle of family, friends, and community. The Rebbe believed that every individual has the ability to illuminate the world around them through acts of goodness and kindness, and that even small actions can have a profound impact.
For those interested in learning more, I especially recommend Rabbi Joseph Telushkin’s excellent biography, Rebbe, which offers a fascinating look at the life, leadership, and enduring influence of one of the most remarkable Jewish figures of our time.
May we each do our part to carry that legacy forward by bringing more light, purpose, and kindness into our communities and our world.
— Rabbi Sholom Schmerling, Director, Chabad of Venice
