The reason why Merkos Chair Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky was absent from the Kinus convention was revealed Sunday at the banquet.

By COLlive reporter

The absence of Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, Chairman of Merkos L'inyonei Chinuch which organizes the International Kinus Hashluchim, from the convention's sessions and proceedings was clearly visible over the last few days.

A reason for that was given Sunday night.

Participants of the Kinus' gala banquet were asked at the beginning of the event at the Hilton New York hotel to pray and say Tehillim for Devora bas Etta, wife of Rabbi Krinsky.

She is currently in grave medical condition and needs everyone's prayers, said the emcee and Merkos Vice Chair Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky.

Mrs. Krinsky has faithfully stood by her husband during his many years of serving as one of the Rebbe's trusted secretaries, returning home in the last hours of the nights after Yechidus has concluded in 770 Eastern Parkway.

"We wish her a full recovery and may they both enjoy long and healthy years," Rabbi Kotlarsky said, to which the Shluchim and lay leaders answered an emphatic "Amen!"

Tehillim was also said for the Shliach Rabbi Menachem Mendel halevi ben Ita.