Today, the 19th of Kislev, marks the day when the founder of Chabad Chasidism, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, was freed from prison in czarist Russia in 1798. The day has become known as Rosh Hashanah for Chassidus. On it, throughout the generations, chassidim have been coming together to farbreng, learn and draw inspiration from on this day.
The Kfar Chabad Yud Tes Kislev farbrengens were a highlight, and remembered to this day by those who attended them. Many dignitaries would attend the event, including Rabbis from many different communities and politicians.
19 Kislev 5731 (75 photos)19 Kislev 5734 (86 photos) Rabbi Mendel Futerfas speaks, seated to his left are former president of Israel Zalman Shazar, president of Israel Ephraim Katzir, Rabbi of Kfar Chabad Rabbi Shneur Zalman Garelik.19 Kislev 5737 (139 photos) Menachem Begin’s address just months before being elected as Prime Minister. In attendance: (front row L to R starting third from left) Rabbi Tzvi Greenwald, President of Israel Ephraim Katzir, Rabbi Nochum Trebnik, Rabbi Mordechai Shmuel Ashkenazi (future rabbi of Kfar Chabad), Rabbi Gershon Chein, ?, Lt. General and MK Haim Bar-Lev. Seen above President Katzir is Shlomo Maydanchik, the legendary train conductor and Mayor of Kfar Chabad.19 Kislev 5738 (93 photos) (front row R to L) Acclaimed poet Uri Zvi Greenberg, MK Gideon Hausner (widely known for heading the prosecution team at the trial of Adolf Eichman in 1961), speaker of the Knesset and future Prime Minister Yitzchak Shamir, Rabbi Shmuel Chefer.19 Kislev 5744 (76 photos)19 Kislev 5733 (113 photos)19 Kislev 5730 (83 photos)19 Kislev 5729 (40 photos) Amidst the festivities, a lively conversation between President Zalman Shazar (seated 5th from left), acclaimed writter Shai Agnon (7th from left), and Rabbi Nochum Goldshmid. Also seen is Rabbi Shlomo Yosef Zevin.19 Kislev 5728 (41 photos) The crowd dancing joyously to a Chassidic melody, the sign reads: “Help your nation; put on Tefillin!” Seven months earlier, days before the Six Day War the Rebbe had launched his now-legendary Tefillin Campaign.19 Kislev 5726 (55 photos)19 Kislev 5725 (61 photos) President Zalman Shazar dancing with the Rabbi of Kfar Chabad, Rabbi Shneur Zalman Garelik.19 Kislev 5724 (79 photos) A view of the crowd at the Farbrengen.19 Kislev 5724 (40 photos) R’ Berke Chein leading the crowd in song and dance.
