Thousands Celebrate Yud Tes Kislev at Cirque Phénix in Paris’ 12th District

A spectacular Yud Tes Kislev farbrengen and celebration drew an estimated 5,500 participants this week at the renowned Cirque Phénix in Paris, marking one of the largest Chabad gatherings in the region.

Attendees included students of Yeshivas Brunoy, Beis Rivkah seminary students, community members, mekuravim, Anash, and shluchim from across Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France region.

Prominent rabbonim and public figures joined the celebration, among them Rabbi Michel Guggenheim, Chief Rabbi of Paris; former Member of Parliament Meyer Habib; and additional communal leaders. The event was led by the Rebbe’s shliach to Paris and the broader region, Rabbi Mendel Azimov.

The evening was emceed by Rabbi Mendel Laishkar, accompanied by the Yossef Bramy Orchestra and featuring spirited music from Mendy Gabay and Shmilly. The guest of honor was Rabbi Binyamin Bitton of Montreal, Canada, who inspired the crowd with words of chassidus and chizuk.

A highlight of the program was the presentation of a new educational initiative encouraged by Rabbi Shmuel Lubetzki: the organizing of visiting groups traveling to the Rebbe’s home, strengthening personal connection and hiskashrus. A large on-site seforim sale drew significant attention, showcasing the newly released volume “Chayei Sho’alim – Life Lessons on Tanya from Tzivos Hashem.”

To ensure the comfort of the thousands in attendance, organizers provided refreshments and sandwiches, and dozens of buses transported participants from across the Paris metropolitan area, enabling widespread community participation in the Yom Tov of Chassidus.

Photos: Mordechai Lubecki