A group of 3,000 Chabad emissary-representatives from around the globe recently gathered in New York. Photo: Chabad.org/Michal Weiss.

JNS.org – More accustomed to seeing the annual “class picture” of the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement’s rabbinical emissaries at their annual conference? Chabad is spotlighting its female leaders, too — a group of 3,000 emissary-representatives from around the globe who recently gathered in New York to shatter “preconceived notions about the insular role of women in Hasidism,” according to Chabad.

“Hailing from as far as Thailand and Uzbekistan, and as near as Long Island and Queens, these Chabad women serve communities throughout the world, offering Jews, regardless of their affiliation, a spiritual approach to Judaism,” Chabad said in a press release regarding its Jan. 28-Feb. 1 women’s leadership conference. “Their worldwide success is legend — and their annual convention is unlike any other women’s conference.”

The annual women’s conference coincides with the anniversary of the passing of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, wife of the late Chabad movement leader Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.

This year’s women’s conference, explained Chabad, carried extra significance as Jewish communities around the world celebrate the year of “Hakhel,” a time to promote Jewish unity and learning.

“Throughout the year, Jewish synagogues and organizations will host communal gatherings for men, women, and children dedicated to encouraging the observance and study of Torah,” Chabad said.