This picture is not Ai. These days it can be hard to tell what is real, with so many images and messages created by artificial intelligence and ChatGBT. It is understandable that someone unfamiliar with the Kinus Hashluchim might assume that a picture of six thousand rabbis gathered in one place must be fake.
But not only is it real, it is a powerful image of Jewish leadership.
I just returned from a quick trip to New York, where I took part in the annual international conference of Chabad rabbis. These are the shluchim, sent by the Rebbe and guided by his teachings to uplift and strengthen Jewish life in every corner of the world, and serve as examples of G-dliness, ethics and morality for all humanity. 
When you look back at how it all began, the growth is astonishing. The first Kinus in 1984 had fewer than forty attendees. Today nearly seven thousand Chabad families serve and represent diverse communities worldwide, in all 50 states and over 100 countries.
What is the secret of Chabad and what keeps attracting more and more people to it? This past year alone, a new Chabad center opened on average every forty-eight hours. That means there was enough demand for a new rabbinic couple to pick up their lives and be welcomed somewhere to serve an existing or emerging Jewish community.
And the future looks just as strong. While some speak about a decline in rabbinic students, Chabad continues to ordain hundreds of rabbis each year. We got a future forecast of this at the conference. As the adults gathered for their sessions, more than one thousand young shluchim held their own program. For me, that was the most inspirational part of the conference. They are not simply the children of shluchim. They are the next chapter, already living the values that will carry Jewish life forward.
When we look around the world, it is easy to feel unsettled by events that seem frightening or unpredictable. But we are not defined by headlines. In fact, we are seeing a generational shift toward deeper engagement with Yiddishkeit and a stronger embrace of Jewish learning and living.
The tragic events of October 7 awakened something deep within many Jews. In a moment of pain and fear, countless people felt a renewed pull toward their heritage, their identity, and their faith. It pushed many to ask deeper questions and to reconnect with the foundations of who we are.
We are an eternal people, rooted in a strong past and a rich history. After a few days at the Kinus, surrounded by devoted shluchim and inspired young leaders, it is impossible not to feel that Judaism is alive, vibrant, and filled with light. And when you picture those one thousand young shluchim, the next generation already stepping into their role, you cannot help but see that our future is brighter than ever.
Candle lighting this evening for Shabbat Toldot is at 4:39PM in Sioux Falls and 4:03PM in Rapid City. For other cities in South Dakota, click here. Shabbos Davening at Chabad tomorrow at 11AM followed by Kiddush.

Last week, we launched our Capital Campaign for the Chabad Jewish Community Center, and I have been deeply moved by the outpouring of support we have received so far. Building a place dedicated to the service of G-d, where the community can gather, share a meal, feel at home, socialize, and learn, has been part of the mission of the Jewish people from the very beginning.
Perhaps the first Jewish community center of this kind was Avraham’s tent. 
This week’s Torah portion tells us how Abraham planted an eshel in Beersheba and proclaimed the name of G-d there. The commentaries explain that eshel can mean either an orchard, providing fruit for people to eat, or an inn with the word eshel being an acronym for achilah, shetiyah, leviyah — food, drink, and companionship, a place where travelers could rest, be nourished, and be accompanied on their way.
Everything our ancestor Abraham did serves as a guide for us. Like him, we must build a place where everyone feels welcome, where the values of G-d can be shared with all, where people can come in, enjoy warmth and refreshment, engage in conversation, and learn something new.
We are told that Abraham’s tent had doors on all four sides, showing that from whichever direction a person came, they were wanted and welcomed. There was always a place for them, a seat at the table, because they belonged.
This mission of Abraham is true both for the individual and for the community. On a personal level, each of us can strive to be welcoming to others and proud to share G-dly values within our own circles. As a community, it means creating a space that reflects those same teachings and ideals that Abraham shared.
This, I believe, captures the essence of what Chabad is all about. Like Abraham and Sarah, that is what we are building together.