I can't help but write about my recent trip to NY for the annual Chabad Shluchim Convention. How could I not share with you the energy of 4,000 Rabbi's and lay leaders in an armory in Brooklyn joined together for one purpose only; to strengthen each other and recommit to our mission of transforming the world through bringing a greater awareness of G-d into it and promoting acts of kindness in our respective communities.
Am Yisroel Chai!
This convention is the first (and pray Gd the only one) since the Mumbai terror attacks when two of our own "troops" were taken down in the line of duty. The attacks took place exactly one year ago and on the eve following the attacks we mark the first yurzeit. You can imagine how front and center this was in the hearts and minds of all the Shluchim.
On Thursday night a Torah scroll purchased through the collective contributions of thousands of Shluchim each dedicating a letter or verse was concluded. The fathers of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivkah Holtzberg spoke, the last letters of the Torah were written, the shehechayanu was recited, the Torah was raised, tears flowed and song broke out.
Am Yisroel Chai!
Throngs of people 10,000 strong moved together with the Torah as it was brought under the Chuppah down the block from the convention hall to 770 the Rebbes Shul. In front of the Shul on the street on a bima all the Torahs from inside joined the Mumbai Torah. On the streets of Brooklyn we danced and we sang.
We danced through the pain of the loss, we danced with the joy of our faith, we sang of the promises our Torah and tradition hold dear, we sang of our special merit to be part of this very special army an army like no other.
Am Yisroel Chai!
And now this Torah will carry with it our faith and trust that good times are ahead as it travels to Mumbai India to the Chabad Center of Mumbai that will continue the legacy of Gabi and Rivkah Holtzberg for AM YISROEL CHAI!