BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Thousands of female Chabad emissaries gathered Friday for their annual photo op, marking the start of the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Women Emissaries, known as the Kinus Hashluchot, in Brooklyn.

The four-day conference is being held ahead of the 38th anniversary of the passing of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, of righteous memory, on 22 Shevat, which falls on Monday.

The main gathering event will take place Sunday, when thousands are expected to attend a grand gala banquet in person. Organizers said countless more around the world will watch the event via livestream on Chabad.org/Kinus.

The conference will culminate Monday with a visit to the Ohel in Queens, the resting place of Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, the Rebbe, of righteous memory, and his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka. The women traditionally bring prayer petitions from their communities around the world to leave at the site.