Well, not quite the Rabbi's desk this week. I'm writing this as the airplane hurtles through the air some 35,000 feet above Indiana. I am on my way to a weekend conference in NY. Some 3,000 rabbis from across the globe are expected to attend. My cousin, the rabbi of Lipetsk, Russia will be there. Bangkok and Nigeria will represent.
These Chabad rabbis, along with their wives, have dedicated their lives to the Jewish community in their respective areas. Educating, sharing and inspiring. In the darkness of the world, they are beacons of light and love dotting the 
worldwide map. Kind of like the blinking lights on the wings, only stronger, as they intensify with each good deed and create ripple effects across their communities.
The convention is scheduled to coincide with the weekly Torah portion in which Eliezer becomes a messenger to find a suitable bride for Isaac. Abraham and Eliezer were the original ambassadors of light. Not content to simply be good Jews on their own, they wanted to share it with others.
The truth is, that this mode of action is not limited to Abraham. It's not only for a Chabad center in Tasmania. It is something that each and every one of us can do. As the expression goes, if you know Alef (the first Hebrew letter), teach Alef. When we each add a single flame, together we ignite a powerful torch of goodness and kindness; of warmth and inspiration; a community of light.
Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, Dec 27th, as we illuminate the darkness with a grand Menorah lighting at the Petaluma River.
RSVP: www.JewishPetaluma.com/River
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While in NY, I will have the special opportunity to visit the Rebbe's gravesite where I will pray on behalf of my family and our community. Feel free to email me your name and prayer and I will include it. For a historical overview of the conference click here.
Tune in Live on Sunday, 2:30pm for the gala banquet, the culmination of the weekend.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Dovid Bush
ב"ה