They call it the Where's Waldo picture. Every year, around this time, Chabad Shluchim from all over 
the world gather in Crown Heights for the Kinus, the annual conference. You got it, I'm talking about the picture that hangs in the media room of Chabad of Uptown.
Every year they take this group photo. It doesn’t change much, aside for growing larger every year. It's always in front of the Rebbe's synagogue and office, 770 Eastern Parkway. All the men have black hats, dark suits, many wear glasses.
Finding your Chabad Rabbi is like finding a needle in a haystack. "Hey you with the hat, smile!"
Here's a paradox. Everyone has the black hat, everyone has a beard. It looks like one big sea of sameness. But as anyone who has been to multiple Chabad Houses knows very well how different we are. Yes, we share the same mission and dedication, but we each express it and develop it in our own way. So many of you have commented to me on the interesting differences between the Chabad Houses you've visited.
Chabad celebrates individuality, each Chabad House is unique, and it is not a cookie-cutter franchise. The Rebbe encouraged each Shliach to build on their own personal strengths, and on the strengths and needs of their particular community.
This concept is oft-repeated in the Rebbe's teachings; Klal and Prat, community and individual. The Waldo analogy is accurate, because Chabad shares the same message and life-lesson as the Waldo books: "You are never lost in the crowd!"
Taking this photo is not a job for your iPhone. To properly make this huge image, in which every single face is in focus, Chabad retains the professional services of veteran photographer Don Holloway, a specialist in these types of pictures.
The Rebbe was this type of expert. He envisioned the huge spectrum of the Jewish people, the global picture, from Thailand to Toronto, Laos to Los Angeles etc… and yet was deeply concerned with each and every Jew, an incredible vision where each individual Jew is in sharp focus.
You can join me at the closing banquet with a live feed at www.chabaduptown.org/kinus. Israel’s Speaker of the Knesset Yuli Edelstein will deliver the keynote address.
The Jewish world this week is reeling with the news of the brutal massacre from Har Nof in Jerusalem. It was hard for me to write anything about it immediately after the event. I guess I took a page out of the Biblical story of Aharon Hakohen. Vayidom Aharon - Aharon was silent.
But, one thing is clear, as illustrated in the Where's Waldo picture - every person counts, and that includes you too. We need to increase in our spiritual defense of Israel. The Rabbis were hacked to death in prayer - we should respond with celebrating life in prayer. Men, wrap your tefillin! Women, light Shabbos candles this week! Together we can turn the tide of the world to goodness and help protect our friends in Israel!
SAVE THE DATE - Rocket Science. On that note, we are excited to announce, that for Shabbat Jan. 23-24 we will host Ari Sacher, the Rocker Scientist project manager behind Israel's defense system: Iron Dome, the physical system that has saved countless lives in Israel. Stay tuned for details on the Shabbaton, including a special Shabbat dinner with our illustrious guest.
Rosh Chodesh Kislev is this Sunday! Please join us for our monthly minyan and breakfast at 8:30 am!
The Extensive Reach of the Rebbe’s Emissaries: It’s Never Been Greater - In the past several months, a group of young married couples, many with a baby or young children by their sides, left their home towns destined for cities and towns across the United States, including Frisco, Texas; Biloxi, Miss.; and Pittsburgh, Pa. more...
‘I Was Part of Chabad’s Underground in the Soviet Union’ - “Did I have a connection with the Rebbe?” Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein repeats during an interview granted to Kfar Chabad magazine. There’s a short pause as he overcomes his reluctance to reveal something he’s always kept to himself. “Look,” he finally says, “conditions weren’t so pleasant, but since you’re asking, I'll answer.” more...
Shabbos Parshas Toldos
Friday, November 21
Candle Lighting at 5:06 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 6:30 pm
Shabbos, November 22
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Mevarchim Kiddush & Farbrengen
Mincha at 8:05 pm
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 6:01 pm
Living Torah
Sunday, November 23 - Rosh Chodesh Kislev
Monthly minyan Shacharis at 8:30 with Hallel and special Torah reading
Followed by breakfast sponsored by the Melnik family
Have a good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie