Rabbonim and shluchim from across Russia and the former CIS countries are gathering this weekend in S. Petersburg for a regional convention held under the theme of Sheves Achim Gam Yachad, aimed at strengthening unity, sharing practical tools, and reinforcing their work on behalf of Yiddishkeit throughout the region.

The convention opens Friday morning at the Grand Choral Synagogue of S. Petersburg, hosted by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Pewzner, rov and shliach of the city, and organized by Rabbi Chaim Shaul Brook, director-general of the local Jewish community.

A packed program has been prepared for participants, featuring professional workshops and panel discussions on strengthening educational institutions, managing Chabad Houses in major cities, and addressing challenges facing Jewish communities throughout the region. Sessions will also explore practical ways to utilize emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, in support of shlichus and communal work.

A central highlight of Friday’s program will be the gathering of rabbonim from cities across Russia, led by Rabbi Berel Lazar, Chief Rabbi of Russia, who guides and supports the country’s network of rabbonim and shluchim throughout the year.

Before Shabbos, the rabbonim and their sons will gather for a historic group photograph in the synagogue courtyard before joining together for an uplifting Kabolas Shabbos and seudos in a warm Chassidishe atmosphere.

Throughout Shabbos, participants will take part in shiurim in Torah and Chassidus, workshops on kashrus, chinuch, and Jewish advocacy, and a major farbrengen. One of the highlights is expected to be the seder niggunim during Raava D’Raavin, when dozens of shluchim will join together in song and hisorerus.

Following Havdalah, which takes place at approximately 1:00 a.m. during this season in S. Petersburg, participants will board a nighttime cruise through the city’s waterways beneath its famous opening bridges. The program will include a Seudas Dovid Malka Meshicha amid the city’s renowned White Nights.

On Sunday, following morning learning sessions and breakfast, participants will visit the historic Peter and Paul Fortress, where the Alter Rebbe, author of the Tanya and Shulchan Aruch Harav, was imprisoned.

A particularly significant stop will take place on 15 Sivan, when participants visit the apartment from which the Frierdiker Rebbe was taken into prison for his efforts to spread Yiddishkeit. The visit coincides with the beginning of the centennial year of the Frierdiker Rebbe’s geulah from that imprisonment.

Participants will also tour additional historic Jewish sites connected to the mesirus nefesh of the Rabbeim and the revival of Jewish life throughout Russia. At the conclusion of the convention, the shluchim will return to their communities strengthened and inspired for the continuation of their shlichus.

Photo: The Grand Choral Synagogue of St. Petersburg