Shalom,
Greetings and blessings to all our friends, Sanhedrin Initiative Advisors, and Justice Boards.
Reflecting on my recent trip to New York, my hometown where I was raised under the influence of the Rebbe, King Moshiach Shlit"a, I am filled with gratitude. Visiting during the special week of the annual International Shluchim Conference made the experience even more impactful.
The primary purpose of my trip was to attend the wedding of my younger sister, a joyous family occasion. Alongside this, I had the pleasure of meeting family and friends and updating them on the progress of the Sanhedrin Initiative over the past few years in the Holy Land of Israel.
As is often the case during such gatherings, we expanded our Sanhedrin Initiative network by adding many new members to our groups, ensuring they can stay informed about our long-term activities.
One of the highlights of my trip was sitting down with Reb Ziv from Jerusalem for an extensive podcast video interview.
He shared his groundbreaking research on proving the existence of Hashem through mathematical and scientific analysis.
His work demonstrates a "non-randomized" creation by analyzing measurements of the sun, moon, and Earth, along with their respective distances. This innovative approach establishes a clear pattern of intent by the Creator.
During our hour-long discussion, we explored the significance of these findings and their potential legal, political, and judicial implications.
We addressed how such discoveries could influence humanity's understanding of creation and daily life, emphasizing the necessity of rabbinical supervision and the involvement of the Sanhedrin Initiative Advisory and Justice Boards.
This ensures the Creator’s word is neither misinterpreted nor misused, as has unfortunately occurred in secular and non-rabbinic interpretations.
I was honored to attend the Shluchim banquet alongside fellow English-speaking Shluchim. It was a pleasure to assist Rabbi Yaakov Cohen in joining the event and meeting esteemed individuals such as Rabbi Mendel Mishulovin, "The Cool Jew," and Knesset Member Simcha Rotman.
I also had meaningful conversations with my uncle, Chief Rabbi of Japan, Rabbi Binyamin Edery, and my uncle, Rabbi David Azulai, the lead rabbi in Brazil. Additionally, I connected with Chassidic artist and painter Rabbi Eli Benzaken from Toronto.
The spiritual highlight of my trip was spending time at 770, praying and learning alongside fellow Shluchim. The quality of Torah learning among the students there is exceptional, with a palpable sense of joy and passion in the air.
When discussing the Sanhedrin Initiative and the Halachic process outlined by the Rambam, in alignment with the Rebbe’s directive to “talk together and come up with good decisions to act on how to accept Moshiach,” Rabbi David from Brazil remarked, “It’s very interesting that you point out the Rebbe gave us the license to initiate the necessary steps to accept Moshiach.” I responded, “You are older than me and heard the Rebbe say this decades ago. I’m just glad to bring it to your attention now.”
Though my uncle, Rabbi Binyamin from Japan, expressed interest in an interview, his busy schedule—caring for the sick and fulfilling other Shluchim responsibilities—prevented it. Rabbi Yarmack, a local Chabad leader, expressed overwhelming support for the Sanhedrin Initiative, his enthusiasm evident as he listened intently and smiled throughout our discussion.
I also met Rabbi Zalman Landau from Bnei Brak, who attentively listened as I explained the Halachic process we are pursuing. While he acknowledged the initiative's validity, he found the idea of appointing a king other than the Rebbe himself emotionally difficult to process. His reaction reflected the psychological challenge many face when considering these changes, even without Halachic objections.
In 770, I had the privilege of speaking with the "Meishiv" about the Sanhedrin Initiative and the Halachic clarifications of the Rambam. Communicating in a mix of English, Hebrew, and Yiddish made the conversation enjoyable and productive. Like Rabbi Landau, he was deeply moved but struggled with the notion that the focus of Moshiach is a larger mission beyond the Rebbe himself. Despite this, he recognized the strength of the points made and expressed interest in continuing the discussion at a later time.
I also reconnected with my childhood friend, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Ezagui, who has been promoting his book on the Rebbe's teachings. While admiring his intelligence, I challenged him on presenting an incomplete narrative.
I emphasized that even if he convinces the world the Rebbe is Moshiach, it would hold little significance without addressing the Halachic challenges of appointing a king who is no longer alive. His response reflected his frustration, but I remain hopeful he will further refine his approach.
Key Achievements from the Trip:
1. Introducing scientific proof of Hashem through Reb Ziv's groundbreaking research.
2. Representing the Sanhedrin Initiative for the first time at the Shluchim Conference.
3. Expanding our network by adding new judges, advisors, and friends to the Sanhedrin Initiative.
As I sit on the plane back to the Holy Land of Israel, I feel grateful and energized to continue our sacred work on the Sanhedrin Initiative.
This article would not be complete without mentioning our dear friend, Ash, with whom we’ve had the honor of conducting multiple interviews on significant topics, including the situation in Israel, the Seven Laws of Noah, and the Returning Tribes.
It was a privilege to meet him and his wife during their journey to the hospital for the birth of their first child. Ash, your kindness and generosity, including the thoughtful gifts you gave me, are deeply appreciated.
Though we missed the opportunity to sit down and talk this time, I look forward to the chance to have a meaningful conversation in the future. Congratulations to Ash and his family on this joyous milestone—the birth of their first child! May they be blessed with happiness, health, and success.
Veteran Sanhedrin Initiative Advisor Rabbi Dr. Baruch Trappler commented on this article:
That's a very important milestone. It's not easy to embed in the Chabad political structure.
Lastly, I tried to get chat GPT to make a picture of the Shluchim conference,
which one do you think is most inspiring?
0%Picture Number #1
0%Picture Number #2
0%Picture Number #3
0%Nothing beats the original.
With blessings,
Yosef Edery.
Sanhedrin Initiative Advisor
🚀 Breaking Boundaries & Building Bridges! 🌍
This past week, I had the incredible opportunity to represent the Sanhedrin Initiative at the International Shluchim Conference in Brooklyn, NY, amidst the vibrant energy of 770 🏢🔥. From sharing groundbreaking scientific proofs of Hashem 📐🌞🌙 to expanding our network of judges and advisors 🤝📖, the journey was nothing short of transformative!
Key moments included:
✅ Connecting with international leaders, rabbis, and thinkers 👨⚖️🌏.
✅ Discussing Halachic pathways to Moshiach ✡️👑.
✅ Witnessing the fire of Torah learning among fellow Shluchim 🔥📚.
The mission continues as we return to the Holy Land, energized and inspired! 🙌🇮🇱
📖 Read more about the journey and our key achievements.
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