The annual Southern Region Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries took place in Marietta, Ga., this month, concentrating on program development and welcoming the state’s top attorney to address 65 emissaries from Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Louisiana and Alabama.

Rabbi Isser New, associate director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Georgia headquartered in Atlanta, said that the date of the Sept. 11 to 12 conference was significant.

“What an inspiring way to spend 9/11: at a conference and among people committed to the continued growth of the American Jewish community,” said New, who organized the conference.

Attorney General Sam Olens told attendees how being involved with his local Chabad House has made an impact on him both personally and professionally.

Olens, who is believed to be the first Jewish politician to win a state-wide race in Georgia, is a member at Chabad of Cobb directed by Rabbi Ephraim and Chanie Silverman. He said that being involved in the Jewish community not only affects his position, but enhances it.

Olens reserved special praise, noted Ephraim Silverman, for the work of Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries in maintaining connections with Jewish youth by supporting Jewish clubs in public high schools.