Under unprecedented security measures, thousands of Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries gathered this morning for their traditional annual group photograph at 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
Despite the bitter New York cold, thousands of rabbis stood patiently for over an hour while American photographers worked to capture the complex shot that needed to include every participant in a single frame. This traditional photo, which began decades ago with just a few dozen emissaries, has grown to require specially constructed bleachers to accommodate the ever-expanding number of participants.
The photograph serves as a tangible symbol of the remarkable growth of the Rebbe's army of emissaries, now operating in over 110 countries worldwide, alongside all 50 U.S. states. Even in this challenging year, the movement has continued to grow, with hundreds of new emissaries joining the ranks - including nearly 100 in Israel alone, a record number according to Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Aharonov, chairman of Tzeirei Chabad.
[Photos: Amazing Chabad emissaries brave the cold for the annual Kinnus
Credits: Dov Hechtman Photography]
The New York Police Department implemented extensive security protocols, including blocked major traffic arteries and strategically placed large buses to obscure sightlines to the gathering area.
The heightened security comes just one week after the murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, Chabad's emissary to the UAE, lending a somber note to what is typically a joyous occasion. During the event, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Kotlarsky, the conference director, repeatedly remembered Rabbi Kogan with emotion, stating "We remember Rabbi Kogan at every moment of this conference, particularly now."
What is the Chabad Kinnus?
The annual conference, which brings together emissaries from over 100 countries, was marked by both celebration and solemnity.
The leadership transition within the conference itself reflects the movement's continuity through challenging times. Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky has assumed the role of conference director, following in the footsteps of his late father, Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, who long served as a pillar of the global Chabad movement.
What do Chabad emissaries actually do?
Operating over 3,500 institutions worldwide, Chabad's network of emissaries serves as a lifeline for Jewish communities in locations ranging from major cities to remote outposts. These Chabad houses function as comprehensive Jewish community centers, providing essential services including synagogues, kosher food sources, educational programs, and spiritual guidance.
This year's conference takes on additional significance as Chabad emissaries continue their vital work in conflict zones, including Ukraine and Israel, while simultaneously combating rising antisemitism in their respective communities. Their presence and continued service in challenging circumstances embody the movement's commitment to maintaining Jewish life and tradition regardless of external pressures.
The conference includes intensive workshops and sessions focusing on crisis management, community support, and strategies for combating antisemitism - skills that have become increasingly crucial in the current global climate. Yet beyond these practical aspects, the gathering serves as a source of renewed strength and solidarity for these emissaries who often work in isolated or challenging environments.
As these rabbis return to their posts worldwide, their work continues to fulfill the vision of the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, adapting to meet contemporary challenges while maintaining unwavering dedication to serving Jewish communities worldwide.
The conference will conclude tonight with a gala banquet honoring the thousands of emissaries, attended by supporters from around the world. A special guest of honor will be Israel's Chief Rabbi Kalman Bar, who traveled specifically to participate in this global gathering.