Mental health awareness was at the centre of the biggest-ever conference for Chabad Lubavitch rabbis in the UK.

A total of 115 rabbis attended Kinus Hashluchim UK, which was held at a hotel in Warwickshire.

Participants joined mental health and suicide prevention workshops, run by JAMI and The Helpline, a phoneline for Jewish community members in distress.

A further session on safeguarding was run by the NSPCC.

Rabbi Odom Brandman, of Chabad Buckhurst Hill in Essex, said: “The programme was literally packed with useful, helpful and inspirational workshops, but the most valuable part of the Kinus was the networking and idea-sharing with colleagues.”

Rabbi Brandman’s comments were echoed by Rabbi Boruch Altein of Chabad Crouch End and West Haringey, who said: “This was the most productive conference I’ve ever attended.

“It was enjoyable and comfortable, with delicious food and good accommodation.”

With 25 new centres established in the last five years, Chabad is growing rapidly.
Currently, there are 143 Shluchim (rabbinic couples) and 75 centres throughout the United Kingdom.

The annual conference also focused on education and outreach work, with sessions run by organisations, including the Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) and CKids international.

The conference was coordinated by Rabbi Yehuda and Rebbetzin Dinie Pink.

Rabbi Pink told the JC afterwards: “Months went into organising the conference. But seeing everyone returning to their communities, freshly inspired to bring the world a step closer to the coming of Moshiach, with new ideas and energy, made it all worth it.”