The annual Kinus for the Chabad rabbis and rebbetzins took place in Utrecht this year, hosted by Rabbi Aryeh Leib and Mrs. Bracha Heintz. With representatives in 13 cities, Chabad in the Netherlands serves a very diverse Jewish population.

Some shluchim focus on communities, while others work primarily with younger demographics, tourists, or individual Jews living in smaller towns. Altogether, the 22 Chabad couples are in contact with thousands of Jews on an annual basis.

Rabbi Shmuel Katzman, head shliach to the Netherlands, spoke about the responsibility that we need to feel for each other, especially after the tragic events in Sydney just a few weeks ago.

Rabbi Eli Spiero shared about a project that is currently in the works to make the Shabbos table at home a more wholesome experience. The project will be based on the works of the legendary Shliach, Rabbi Yitzchak Vorst z”l.

Rabbi Yehuda Vorst then took the microphone and presented an impressive PowerPoint showing the many initiatives and activities that took place around the country throughout the year. From public menorah lightings to bar and bas mitzvah clubs, women’s circles, holiday dinners, student and young professionals’ events, food distribution, and more.

Rabbi Mendel Katzman presented a collection of newspaper articles highlighting the development of Chabad in the country, and how it was effectively used to spread awareness of the new Mivtzoim as they were announced by the Rebbe.

The shluchos participated in a roundtable discussion led by Mrs. Taiby Camissar, during which they shared experiences and discussed various challenges that may arise on shlichus.

An emotional moment was when everyone walked together to the monument of the 1600 Utrecht Jews who perished in the Holocaust. It was a powerful reminder to the shared mission to continue rebuilding Jewish life in the country.

The day concluded with a lavish dinner and a Dvar Torah delivered by Rabbi Menachem Evers.