This past Sunday, Vienna hosted the annual kinus for shluchim from across Austria, drawing over 150 participants from around the country. The kinus was held in an old castle located at the foot of the Alps and about an hour from Vienna, which serves as an English-speaking seminary for Chabad girls from around the world.

By Josh Aronson

This past Sunday, Vienna hosted the annual conference of Chabad emissaries from across Austria, drawing over 150 participants from around the country.

Held in an old castle located at the foot of the Alps and about an hour from Vienna, the building serves throughout the year as an English-speaking seminary for Chabad girls from around the world, which also functions as a training institute for shlichus.

Rabbi Yaakov Biderman, head shliach in Austria, welcomed attendees and opened the conference by highlighting the core challenge of our time: “In an age where technological change is accelerating rapidly, emissaries must remain deeply rooted in Jewish tradition while simultaneously renewing themselves and adapting innovative methods that can help make Judaism more accessible to every Jew.”

Workshops and discussions at the conference focused on the use of advanced technological tools, especially artificial intelligence (AI), which has become a significant asset in many religious and social organizations in recent years.

The emissaries learned how to incorporate AI in creating high-quality educational content, as well as in streamlining the planning and organization of community and educational programs. One facilitator noted: “Through AI, we can produce personalized educational materials, analyze community needs in real time, and develop work plans that offer more accurate responses.”

According to the participants, these new tools allow them to reach Jews who may not engage through traditional channels, offer classes and information in multiple languages, and quickly respond to emerging on-the-ground challenges.

Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, director of the International Shluchim Conference and head of Chabad’s global outreach expansion, emphasized the vital importance of emissary work today: “Now more than ever, Jews turn to their emissaries for authentic Torah guidance and strength. Emissaries have become the support system and emergency network of the Jewish people. This year’s conference sharpened our strategic focus on realizing the Rebbe’s vision: that every Jew should have a home – wherever they are.”

He added that emissaries are not just providers of religious services, but the backbone of Jewish communal life, offering spiritual, social, and emotional support in times of distress or loneliness.

Community security was another major topic of discussion at the conference—an increasingly central issue in many European countries. Emissaries discussed how to boost community awareness, improve cooperation with local authorities, and prepare for potential physical threats or emergency situations.

Rabbi Biderman stated: “Today, alongside Torah-based missions, we must also be prepared to manage defense systems and rapid-response mechanisms when needed, to ensure the safety and well-being of all community members.”

The conference also served as a platform to foster collaboration between various Chabad institutions in Austria. It was decided to increase joint activities, particularly in areas of education and programming for children, youth, and students. There was also a focus on developing support programs for new families and expanding community outreach to suburban and remote areas.

Rabbi Shmuel Shapira, son of former Knesset member Avi Shapira and a guest of honor at the conference, praised the emissaries for their work: “Shlichus is key to the continued survival and strength of Judaism in Europe. I’m proud to see the younger generation carrying the Rebbe’s mission forward with energy, innovation, and dedication.”

Rabbi Avi Biderman, Chabad Emissary: “This was a truly meaningful conference. Just gathering together and talking with one another is already something big. We left with many new collaborations and good resolutions—ways to develop mitzvah campaigns like tefillin and kashrut initiatives. We also received practical tools on using AI through very helpful workshops. I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

Photos: Josh Aronson