In Hopes of Global Harmony, Shluchim Make Peace

A special initiative has shluchim resolving disputes and taking steps toward achdus in response to the horrific attacks in Eretz Yisroel and the unity seen among Jewish people worldwide. 

By Anash.org reporter

The achdus of chassidim will lead them to Moshiach.

As the world shakes from the ongoing war in Eretz Yisroel, and Yidden across the globe unite in prayer and mitzvos, a special initiative is underway to bring achdus between shluchim and chassidim.

Many of these endeavors remain under wraps, as intensive efforts are put in to satisfy all parties in each dispute. But as the Kinus approached, a number of them came to light, after they were successfully brought to their conclusion.

The first was the resolution of a long-standing feud between two leaders in a prominent Lubavitcher community in Northeast USA. Just days before the Kinus, the leaders released a joint letter to their community, announcing that they would be suspending all of their Dinei Torah and pursuing mediation.

“In recent weeks, Am Yisroel and the world have been trembling. The horrific suffering that our fellow Yidden experienced and the ongoing dangers that we face have shaken us all to the core. The Rebbe taught that when facing great darkness, our responsibility is to add light, thereby transforming the darkness into a catalyst for illumination,” they wrote.

“In such times, as leaders it is incumbent upon us to do everything in our power to advance the cause of achdus amongst Klal Yisroel. We must understand that sustaining achdus within the community requires that we demonstrate achdus in how we lead the community. Over the past few weeks, we have been talking about what we can do to bring our community back together with shalom and achdus,” they wrote.

They then detailed the steps they would be taking to resolve their machlokes.

While the Kinus Hashluchim was ongoing, the widespread and ongoing efforts towards achdus received a public forum, with Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky emailing all shluchim with a message title “The Call of the Hour.”

“In light of the situation in Eretz Yisroel and for Acheinu Beis Yisroel around the world during these challenging times, we are all striving to strengthen our Avodas Hashlichus in accordance with the Rebbe’s directives, along with increasing harmony and Achdus among the family of Shluchim worldwide,” he wrote.

“Towards this end, we encourage Chassidim and Shluchim across the globe to explore ways to enhance the Shalom and Achdus among us. If your region, state, or city, have Rabbonim or Askanim active in Hafatza, yet are not authorized as shluchim; we recommend and encourage you to discuss with them the feasibility of recognizing them as authorized shluchim, on a case by case basis. Following the Kinus, we will inform you of various resources for mediation that will be made available to assist you in this regard. 

“Should you feel that there are those in your region that are committed to engaging in this process of reconciliation, you may feel free to invite them to the Kinus Melava Malka session on Motzei Shabbos at a reduced rate. This should be done with the understanding that they commit to engage in a mediation and reconciliation process following the Kinus, in the spirit of Shalom and Achdus,” he wrote.

The call did not remain unanswered for long. Almost immediately, the head shluchim of a Southeastern US State released a letter announcing a local achdus success.

“In light of recent global events and the collective call from the Jewish community to strengthen unity and love among us, we recognize the importance of playing our part in fostering these values,” the Head Shluchim wrote.

They wrote that a Chabad rabbi who had until now headed a shul in their state would now be recognized as an official shliach. “This appointment reflects our commitment to furthering Achdus and Ahavas Yisroel,” they wrote.