An Unforgettable Gimmel Tammuz Down Under

SYDNEY, Australia [CHI] — Gimmel Tammuz is always a tense and perplexing time for anyone, especially those so far away from the Rebbe’s Daled Amos, out of the Crown Heights Region. One thing is for sure, it is a time when Chassidim make a point of coming together, thinking about the Rebbe and the Rebbe’s ongoing leadership which can be felt worldwide, which although unexplainable is undeniably real.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (by Eli and Shmuli Tuvel)

Tzemach Tzedek, Sydney Australia, was nothing short of buzzing, with 48hrs of intensity, as Shabbos led straight into Gimmel Tammuz.

Proceedings started off with an eloquent speech by Rabbi Yaakov Barber, the Rabbi of South Caulfield Hebrew Congregation and part of the Melbourne Beth Din, who painted a picture full of “chassidisher Gefill” and practical application, warming the crowd to strive to follow in the paths the Rebbe had so carefully paved for us. Ahavas Yisroel, Chassidisher behaviour and loads more were part of a well devised speech to uplift the hearts of so many lost children.

The afternoon was not nearly long enough as Rabbi Gourarie, Rabbi of the Sydney Shtiebel and Binah institute, dealt with pressing issues, encouraging the passion and longing to see the Rebbe “da lemata Ma’asarah Tefachim”. The farbrengen only intensified as the hours passed by, until we had no choice but to stop to daven Mincha.

Perfect for the hour, Motzei Shabbos only welcomed yet another Farbrengen, allowing those who did not yet have the opportunity on Shabbos, to come and participate. Throngs of people flocked to the Melava Malka generously sponsored by newly elected vice-president, Yossi Raskin, also the birthday boy.

The crowd was not disappointed as Rabbi Braun, Rabbi Perlow, our dear vice-president himself, Rev Amzalak, Dovid Leinkram, Binyomin Simons and Rabbi Gestetner all spoke most purposefully and full of light and guidance. The evening ended in the early hours of the morning, with Rabbi Braun heading the farbrengen and addressing the intent listeners, uplifting and encouraging them to press forward, bringing the Rebbe lots of Nachas and so much closer to all of us.

Sunday morning, a bit too early for some, saw over one hundred children attend a rally at the Tzemach Tzedek Shule, with Hatamim Hashliach Avremel Rimmler and Hatamim Hashliach Yaakov Glassner drawing the attention of the kids. Rabbi Yaakov Lieder, dazzled the kids with his humour and prowess in story telling abilities, giving the kids a most enjoyable time. Words of the Rebbe, acts of charity, words of Torah, were all part of the agenda, which undoubtedly caused the Rebbe much Nachas.

Throughout the morning lectures and Shiurim on the Rebbe’s Torah were given by various individuals, including:
Rabbi Aryeh Leib Solomon of Kehillat Moriah – Chinuch According to the Rebbe.
Rabbi Braun – Maamar (for Men)
Mrs. Dina Gourarie – Likutei Sichos (for women)
Rabbi Yaakov Barber, the Rabbi of South Caulfield Hebrew Congregation and part of the Melbourne Beth Din – Synthesis and Harmony in the Rebbe’s Teachings
Rabbi Yisroel Dolnikov, Chabad Double Bay – Reshima (for men)
Mrs. Hudi Braun – Likutei Sichos (for women)