In a historic first, 20 Chabad Rabbis from across the region convened this week on the island of St. Thomas for a landmark two-day conference.
Hosted by Rabbi Asher Federman, director of Chabad Lubavitch of the Virgin Islands, spiritual leaders from island nations gathered together under one roof to share ideas, unique challenges and triumphs, strengthen ties, and chart a unified vision for Jewish life in the Caribbean.
“Each rabbi here brings a unique perspective, but we all share the same mission: to nurture and strengthen Jewish life, one community at a time, one soul at a time,” said Federman.
“The Caribbean, especially St. Thomas, is a place rich with Jewish history. It has gone through periods of life and vibrancy as well as times of unfortunate decline. We are of course filled with gratitude to our forebears who maintained Jewish life through thick and thin, natural disasters, population decline and weak economic conditions. Our historical synagogue is a gem and a beautiful historical landmark.”
The islands represented at the conference included Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curaçao, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Saint Lucia, Saint Barths, Turks and Caicos, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The rabbis and their rebbetzins (their wives) are inspired by the teachings of the rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson OBM, who was one of the most dynamic and influential spiritual leaders of modern times.
After the Holocaust, he embarked on a mission of Jewish revival through sending emissaries to every corner of the globe. He sought to embrace every single Jew regardless of background and affiliation, and to empower all of humanity to tap into the unlimited resources of their divine spark.
Beginning in the 1950s, the rebbe took great interest in the Caribbean islands and sent students to engage various communities.
Federman shared how the island communities, in particular, have special significance in the Bible. The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah talk of a time when remote islands will contribute to a global awareness of humanity’s purpose in making this world a kinder, better and more Godly place.
“This conference is a celebration of Jewish continuity, unity and the next frontier in global Jewish outreach. There is no such thing as a small person on a small island. Every human being is an integral part in the tapestry of creation, and our actions have the “butterfly effect” to tip the scale for a better future,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky of the Central Chabad offices.
The conference, which took place May 20–21, included collaborative workshops, Torah study, community-building discussions, and shared meals celebrating Jewish heritage and Caribbean culture. Sessions focused on strengthening education, outreach, holiday programming, and strategies for engaging the ever-growing number of snowbirds and visitors across the Caribbean.
“This gathering is a lifeline,” said Rabbi Mendel Zarchi of Chabad Puerto Rico. “We often work in isolation, separated by ocean and distance. Coming together like this brings new energy, perspective, and a sense of brotherhood that will uplift each of our local efforts.”
In Chabad tradition, the “rebbetzins” work hand in hand with their husbands and view their work as a lifelong partnership and privilege. The conference was a tribute to Federman’s wife, Henya, who was the driving force behind the growth and expansion of Jewish life on the island and a mentor to other representatives.
During the conference, Mendel Federman shared how, although his mother tragically passed away two and a half years ago, her life and legacy continue through her children and the community she lovingly built. “She left twelve Henyas in this world to continue and expand her life’s mission, and each of us are more committed than ever before.”
The historic meeting concluded with a warm community dinner and a joint resolution to enhance cross-island collaboration. The events mark a new chapter of unity, inspiration, and shared purpose.
St. Croix Source
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