Evening of Appreciation and Inspiration in Melbourne

This past Sunday evening, groups of businessmen gathered to thank the Bochurim of Yeshivah Gedolah of Melbourne who regularly visit them on Mivtzoim. The evening was scheduled for the day after Gimmel Tammuz in order to honor and pay tribute to the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

The evening was coordinated and chaired by Shliach Motti Rubin (director of Mivtzoim – Outreach Australia). The program began with a light buffet and exchanging of L’chaims, while warm Chassidishe Niggunim playing in the background.

Rabbi Moshe Kahn (director of Chabad Youth) opened the formal part of the evening by sharing several amazing stories that happened to him in his youth, and which led him to dedicate his life to the Rebbe’s mission of Shlichus. He described the manner in which he lives with the Rebbe, and spoke of the Rebbe’s global impact.

Representing the businessmen and professionals that are visited on Mivtzoim, Dr. Jack Zaks spoke of how he values and appreciates the weekly visits. “Mivtzoim is unique in that it is the only Jewish program that comes to your own turf, to your own workplace, and brings a little truth and G‑­dliness into your mundane life. Even though my clinic is very busy, I make sure to create an island of time when the boys visit. My secretaries know that no matter how many people are waiting, the boys are to be let right through. We lay Tefillin and share words of Torah each week.”

Akiva Vallins, representing the Bochurim, spoke beautifully regarding what the Rebbe seeks to achieve through Mivtzoim – adding one Mitzvah at a time in order to bring Moshiach. He related some interesting stories from his own Mivtzoim route, and how he is personally inspired each time his “clients” commit to increasing their Mitzvah observance.

After an array of desserts and fruit, a special video presentation followed, including clips of Mivtzoim encounters as well as a powerful depiction of the Rebbe and the influence of his world view.

At the conclusion of this inspiring evening, a new program was launched. “Chavrusa Program” is a great opportunity designed to allow its participants to explore and discover any part of the Torah or Jewish Tradition in a one-on-one setting, be it over the phone, via skype, or in person. The launch was the perfect way to channel the evening’s inspiration into practical commitment.

A special thank you to Mr. Michael and Sylvia Goldhirsch for hosting and sponsoring the event in loving memory of Sylvia’s parents; R’ Fishel Yosef Binyomin ben Moshe A”h  (Yartzeit 5 Tammuz) and Basha bas Zicharia A”h (Yartzeit 7 Tammuz), may their neshamos have an Aliyah.

All in all, the Bochurim and their Mivtzoim friends enjoyed spending quality time together. The event was a big Kiddush Hashem, one which will certainly bring closer the imminent Geulah.