Rivkah Grossbaum and Mushky Brook recently returned from Crown Heights, Brooklyn, where they represented Chabad of Minneapolis at the annual International Conference of Shluchos, a worldwide gathering of thousands of women leaders in the Chabad movement.
“You get to see friends and family that you don’t see regularly,” said Grossbaum. “Everybody lives in different corners of the world, and this is a time where everybody comes together.”
“It’s a beautiful time filled with so much amazing energy, and it’s just incredible to come together in one place and see thousands of women there,” said Brook. “Each one represents a little or big community around the world where they foster the Jewish community there and bring Judaism to the people in their town and their community. And it’s, it’s incredible.”
Once each year, rebbetzins from around the world gather for a reunion that feels as much like family as it does a conference, coming together to reconnect, renew their sense of purpose, and return home strengthened for the work ahead.
“It kind of reenergizes and gives you that boost,” Grossbaum said.
Grossbaum and Brook represented Chabad of Minneapolis at the gathering, joining more than 4,000 rebbetzins from around the world. For some, like Brook, it’s almost like a family reunion.
“I have a sister in Texas, and I have a sister in Philly and a sister in Delaware. So we all spent the weekend together,” said Brook.
Breakout sessions at the conference focused on empowering Jewish college students, supporting Jews in relationships and family life, and strengthening the Jewish response to antisemitism. Brook said her approach to combating antisemitism is reflected in the way she lives each day, embracing her Judaism with pride and confidence in raising her family and engaging with her community.
“Being loud, proud Jewish people. The antisemitism, that’s not our problem. The people acting that way, that’s their problem,” said Brook. “I’m not going to sit here living my life, responding to it. I’m going to live a proud Jewish life and be proud of who I am, be open, and continue spreading light, bringing more light into the world, living as proud Jewish people. And no one’s gonna stop us.”
They said the gathering provides an opportunity to reconnect with the mission that guides their work, emphasizing positivity, resilience, and empowering women as leaders.
Grossbaum sees it as an opportunity to step away and recharge, which has taken on added meaning after a challenging few years, helping renew her sense of purpose and reinforcing the strength and unity of the Jewish community.
“It was such an uplifting, powerful in a positive way, instead of just complaining about all the troubles in the world, which we all know and we’re all dealing with, and we all face in communities throughout, it was really uplifting to see the strength and the resilience of moving forward and growing and encouraging more people wanting to connect to their Judaism,” said Grossbaum.
The Conference of Shluchos honors the memory of the late Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson and is traditionally held around her yahrzeit. One of the event’s highlights is a visit to the Ohel, the resting place of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, and Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, where participants leave prayer petitions from their communities around the world. The gathering also features workshops, speakers, and sessions where rebbetzins share ideas, gain insights, and celebrate their work, culminating in a gala banquet.
“It was just so special to be part of this, this mission and the vision to be able to do my part in our corner here in Minneapolis and represent us there, that’s how special that is,” said Grossbaum.
As co-director of Chabad of Minneapolis, Grossbaum oversees a range of programs and helps shape the broader impact of her work within the global Jewish community. Her participation in the gathering is both a testament to her commitment and a reminder of the vital role rebbetzins play in strengthening Jewish life worldwide.
“We’re one little dot on the map, but we’re part of something so much bigger. We represented our community as part of a global Jewish community united. We are all just one big community, spread across different places,” said Grossbaum. “We’re really all just part of one big Jewish family, one big Jewish community, and it’s so special and so beautiful.”
