How Chabad Really Works

This week, I had the privilege of joining 6,500 fellow shluchim and lay leaders in New York for the International Conference of Chabad Shluchim.

As you can imagine, the logistics and details required to plan such an event are enormous, with the “official” program meticulously scripted and planned down to the last minute.

However, the real magic happens during the “off-camera” and unscripted moments. I thought I’d share a glimpse with you of “how Chabad really works.”

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Pictured above is a group of young shluchim—friends from Yeshiva—sitting in the famed 770 Eastern Parkway at 1:30 a.m., singing and saying L’Chaim together as they reflect on whether they are truly “meeting the mission” and fulfilling the purpose for which they were sent out.

Their discussions may range from how ego can hinder progress to addressing trauma and mental health. Whatever the topic, their passion for the mission they serve is unmistakable, and they find joy in the privilege of being called to serve it.

After 6,000 rabbis came together for one picture, Rabbi Yossi Serebryanski poses alone to make a point. Credits RYS

After 6,000 rabbis came together for one picture, Rabbi Yossi Serebryanski spoke the truth plainly: “Even if you are the only one doing the right thing, it is still the right thing to do.”

Our people have been called to share a message and shine a light. The truth is not always popular, and what is popular is often not the truth. As lamplighters, our goal is to illuminate the night, even when it means walking alone through dark alleyways.

A young man and woman outside the Rebbe’s Ohel after praying for a blessing to become engaged. Credits MW

On Tuesday, our family visited the Ohel—the Rebbe’s resting place—to pray together and ask for blessings for my sister Raizel and her new fiancé, Sholom Lebovics. It was after this heartfelt moment of prayer and blessing that they formally announced their engagement.

Part of the mystery and magic of our people lies in the way we live in many worlds at once. With our feet firmly planted in this world, we allow our heads to soar into the clouds of the world of the souls.

I was honored to chair the opening session of the conference, and above, I share with you the closing remarks about how “every mitzvah counts.”

Ultimately, that is the magic—in the single mitzvah, in your mitzvah.