Inspirational Month of Shvat for JETS Students

The students at JETS had the most inspiring month of Shvat due to the ongoing farbrengens and inspiration – which permeated the hearts of the bochurim. Rabbi Mayer Schmukler, Director and Founder of JETS, works tirelessly to ensure that the bochurim at JETS experience true and real chassidishkeit and are infused with the teachings of the Rebbe.

Beginning Shabbos Yud Shvat, JETS staff hosted all the students for personal and group farbrengens lasting late into Motzei Shabbos. The students were inspired and felt a deeper connection to the Rebbe. Many hachlotos were undertaken by the bochurim and are being fulfilled daily.

The farbrengen fever was capitalized with the arrival of Rabbi Shmuel Lew from London. Rabbi Lew spent three full days farbrenging with our bochurim and mentoring the staff and shluchim. Before the farbrengens, Rabbi Lew asked the bochurim to anonymously write questions for him to answer. He received hundreds of questions from the bochurim ranging from questions of emunah and bitachon to sincere requests of practical ways of connecting to the Rebbe in our generation.  Rabbi Lew addressed each question with clarity and practicality, based on what he experienced from the Rebbe.

Rabbi Mendy Seewald, Judaic Principal of JETS, said that Rabbi Lew’s sincerity and caring for each bochur, in addition to his ability to understand and connect with the younger generation, were the reasons why the bochurim were spellbound throughout the three day farbrengen.

Bochur Avi Gordon from Tarzana, CA, said “the fargrengens inspired me and led me to some serious soul searching.” Bochur Mendel Teichman from Crown Heights said “I have never been as inspired as I was by the farbrengens with Rabbi Lew.” Bochur Shloimy Fuchs, also of Crown Heights stated, “I have been to many farbrengens, but this one was the best farbrengen ever.”

In honor of Chof Bais Shvat, Reb Mendel Notik from Seattle, Washington, who lived in 770 as a bochur and was the Rebbetzein’s personal helper for a number of years, farbregened with the bochurim. Reb Mendel shared rare insights of the Rebbetzein’s personal life. He told many unheard stories of the Rebbetzein’s commitment, devotion, and care for the Rebbe and the chassidim.  As so little is known of our modest and humble Rebbetzein, Reb Mendel shared an invaluable view of the Rebbetzein, giving a glimpse of her greatness and true humility.

The students will, G-d willing, take the positive energy of Shvat into the rest of the year of JETS and continue to reach new heights in all areas of their lives.