Thousands of Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries and their supporters filled the ballroom at the New York Hilton in Midtown Manhattan for the gala banquet of the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Women Emissaries.

Hosted by Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, the educational arm of Chabad-Lubavitch, the conference offered several days of workshops, group programs, study sessions and networking opportunities times to coincide with observances of the 24th anniversary of the passing of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, of righteous memory, wife of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory.

At the conference’s gala banquet at the Hilton Sunday night, chairwoman Shterni Gruzman, co-director of Chabad of Austria, pointed to the room full of women and those who couldn’t attend as emblematic of the Rebbe’s vision and the embodiment of the Rebbetzin’s legacy.

(Photos: Rivka Lifshitz)

Daughters of Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries sing at their mothers’ annual banquet in New York.

Daughters of Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries sing at their mothers’ annual banquet in New York.

More than 3,000 people filled the ballroom at the Hilton New York.

More than 3,000 people filled the ballroom at the Hilton New York.

Some attendees flew in from far-reaching locations such as Laos, South Korea, the Congo, Morocco and Ukraine.

Some attendees flew in from far-reaching locations such as Laos, South Korea, the Congo, Morocco and Ukraine.

Banquet chairwoman Shterni Gruzman, co-director of Chabad of Austria, pointed to the room full of women and those who couldn’t attend as emblematic of the Rebbe’s vision and the embodiment of the Rebbetzin’s legacy.

Banquet chairwoman Shterni Gruzman, co-director of Chabad of Austria, pointed to the room full of women and those who couldn’t attend as emblematic of the Rebbe’s vision and the embodiment of the Rebbetzin’s legacy.

Emissaries are “women of pride and tradition who are inspiring a change in the world around them,” said Shterni Gruzman.

Emissaries are “women of pride and tradition who are inspiring a change in the world around them,” said Shterni Gruzman.

Ilana Skolnik, a former Miss Africa South, shared her story as a 17-year-old beauty queen who converted to Judaism after visiting Israel, met the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, in1985, and changed her life.

Ilana Skolnik, a former Miss Africa South, shared her story as a 17-year-old beauty queen who converted to Judaism after visiting Israel, met the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, in1985, and changed her life.

“Years ago I came to America as part of a beauty pageant,” said Ilana Skolnik. “Today I am in a room with women who have the power to transform and elevate the world. Your work is extremely holy. Thank you, Rebbe. Thank you, all of you.”

“Years ago I came to America as part of a beauty pageant,” said Ilana Skolnik. “Today I am in a room with women who have the power to transform and elevate the world. Your work is extremely holy. Thank you, Rebbe. Thank you, all of you.”

An all-women band provided background music throughout the evening.

An all-women band provided background music throughout the evening.

As soft Jewish tunes played in the background, guests were treated to a gourmet meal and sumptuous deserts.

As soft Jewish tunes played in the background, guests were treated to a gourmet meal and sumptuous deserts.

“The Rebbe had the ability to see greatness in all creation, in all humanity,” said Fruma Schapiro, co-director of the Chabad House of the North Shore near Sydney, Australia. “People ask us, ‘Why do you do what you do?’ We are serving a purpose greater than ourselves on a daily basis. We know beyond a shadow of a doubt what we are here for. The vision, the soul of a great sage is a gift. Being connected enables us to achieve the impossible.”

“The Rebbe had the ability to see greatness in all creation, in all humanity,” said Fruma Schapiro, co-director of the Chabad House of the North Shore near Sydney, Australia. “People ask us, ‘Why do you do what you do?’ We are serving a purpose greater than ourselves on a daily basis. We know beyond a shadow of a doubt what we are here for. The vision, the soul of a great sage is a gift. Being connected enables us to achieve the impossible.”

Jewish women from Brazil show off some local pride during Sunday night’s gala banquet of the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Women Emissaries.

Jewish women from Brazil show off some local pride during Sunday night’s gala banquet of the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Women Emissaries.

National and local media interviewed emissaries at the banquet.

National and local media interviewed emissaries at the banquet.

Multi-colored flags of different countries flew overhead and music played as 3,000 women joined hands and danced around the room.

Multi-colored flags of different countries flew overhead and music played as 3,000 women joined hands and danced around the room.