NEW YORK, January 26, 2002 — More than one thousand women, leaders of Jewish communities around the globe, will converge on Lubavitch World Headquarters in New York this weekend for their annual International Lubavitch Women Emissaries' Conference.

The envoys, representing some 60 countries around the globe, will convene from January 31 through February 4 about enhancing Jewish life and learning around the globe.

The "Shluchos" (lit. emissaries or representatives), as they are called in Hebrew, "will benefit from a wide variety of workshops and lectures, reports and discussion groups," said Mrs. Esti Grossbaum, chairwoman of the coordinating committee, "while catching up with family, friends and associates, many of whom live continents away."

In their capacity as "Shluchos" the women serve as school principals, teachers, counselors, writers, Rebbetzins, camp directors, editors, program managers, youth directors and fundraisers. All this in addition to their critical roles as wives and mothers.

Workshops and seminars, to be held almost round the clock, will include diverse topics like: receiving accreditation for pre-schools, juggling the varied academic levels of adult class attendees, solving and teaching complex halachic issues, campus outreach, counseling and much more.

An ongoing track of intense textual learning will be available as well.

Despite the dozen or more languages spoken by participants and numerous other differences related to geographic distances, conventioneers will be drawn together by common purpose.

"The Rebbe [Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson of righteous memory] would always emphasize the critical importance of the moral support and spiritual sustenance the Shluchos give one another during the Conference," said Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, who oversees the International Shluchim and Shluchos Conferences from his position at the Lubavitch World Headquarters.

The annual conference is scheduled to coincide with the 22nd of the Jewish month of Shevat, anniversary of the passing (in 1988) of Rebbetzin Chaya Moussia Schneerson of righteous memory, wife of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Her role in encouraging the Shluchos and the pride she took in their work is felt today.

"The Rebbetzin adored the Shluchos," said Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, chairman of the conferences. "She often spoke of her profound admiration for the Shluchos, their families and their extraordinary selfless devotion and outreach to all Jewish people."

The annual conference of Shluchim (male representatives) was held last November.

The conference is open exclusively to Shluchos.