From Hong Kong to Hanoi, a region once devoid of Jewish infrastructure is now dotted with thriving centers, schools and communities, and a new generation of emissaries carrying that momentum forward.
For two days, Singapore’s Jewish community became a nerve center for Jewish life across Asia, as more than 70 emissaries from 15 countries gathered for the regional summit.
The conference, hosted by the Singapore community, celebrated both legacy and renewal: Forty years after Rabbi Mordechai Avtzon arrived in Hong Kong as the first Chabad emissary to Asia, the region now counts 56 Chabad centers.
Singapore’s Jewish community, led by Rabbi Mordechai and Simcha Abergel, and Rabbi Netanel and Odelia Rivni, hosted the emissaries for the gathering, which culminated in a gala dinner and the dedication of a new floor at the historic Maghain Aboth Synagogue, a physical symbol of a community and region expanding in size, strength and ambition.
“The renaissance of Jewish life in Asia is unbelievable,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, director of the international conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries and Chabad headquarters’ efforts in expanding the movement. “Thanks to the Rebbe’s vision and to these selfless families who sacrifice daily to be there for every Jew, everywhere, we’ve witnessed a complete transformation of Jewish life in the region.”
Rabbi Moshe Shlomo Amar, former Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, joined the conference and highlighted the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s far-sighted vision. Drawing on his own experience supporting dispersed Jewish communities worldwide, he praised the emissaries for turning deserts into oases of Torah life, building mikvahs, kosher resources and schools where there once was almost nothing.
For many emissaries, the conversations weren’t just about strategy; they offered perspective. “The conference is a place to realign ourselves, recharge, re-energize,” said Rabbi Yisrael Kozlovsky of Mumbai. “Sometimes, when you’re alone for a long time, you fall into a routine. This gives us clarity again.”
For many participants, the place was part of the message. “Singapore was the perfect setting,” said Rabbi Dovi Henig of Chengdu. “Seeing such a strong and growing community is an inspiration for what every emissary can build back home.”
Around the table, emissaries traded hard-earned wisdom: from how to raise children far from Jewish schools, to staying inspired in isolation, and balancing family and mission. The focus then shifted to what’s next, the recent surge of CTeen and Chabad Young Professionals chapters and building cross-border partnerships to strengthen Jewish life together.
“We’re one family here in Asia,” said Rabbi Leivy Srugo of CYP Taiwan. “This conference is so important because it’s a moment to connect, so we can help others connect. We come to nurture ourselves, to receive strength, wisdom, all to give it forward to our communities. That happens just by being together like family.”
