Sydney Community Marks Gimmel Tammuz with Inspiring Farbrengen

Hundreds of members of the Sydney Jewish community gathered on Thursday evening, 3 Tammuz, to commemorate the 32nd Yom Hilulah of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory. The inspiring Farbrengen was jointly hosted by Chabad NSW and Chabad of Bondi, with coordination by Chabad Youth NSW, and many other partner organisations, bringing together men and women from across the community for an evening of inspiration, unity and renewed commitment to the Rebbe’s vision.

The evening was emceed by Rabbi Elimelech Levy, Director of Chabad Youth NSW, who welcomed guests and reflected on the significance of Gimmel Tammuz. He encouraged attendees not merely to remember the Rebbe, but to strengthen their own commitment to Torah, mitzvos and acts of goodness and kindness, ensuring that the Rebbe’s vision continues to illuminate Jewish life throughout the world.

Rabbi Pinchus Feldman OAM, Head Shliach of New South Wales, delivered a heartfelt address describing the unique and personal connection that every Jew can have with the Rebbe. He explained that the Rebbe’s influence transcends physical limitations and that every individual can strengthen this connection through sincere thought, prayer and commitment to the Rebbe’s teachings.

Rabbi Feldman then introduced a moving presentation produced by JEM (Jewish Educational Media), featuring a collection of remarkable firsthand accounts of the Rebbe’s impact on countless lives. Among the stories was the well-known account of the legendary Chassid, Reb Mendel Futerfas, who, while imprisoned in Soviet Russia, sent a “telepathic” message to the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe. Upon eventually returning home, he discovered a written response from the Rebbe that corresponded precisely to that spiritual plea, illustrating the profound bond between Rebbe and Chossid.

Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, Rabbi of Chabad of Bondi and Senior Dayan of the Sydney Beth Din, welcomed the community and spoke about the importance of achdus, Jewish unity, particularly during challenging times. He emphasised that gatherings such as a Farbrengen strengthen not only individuals, but the entire community, encouraging people to inspire and support one another in their service of Hashem.

The keynote address was delivered by the evening’s special guest, Rabbi Alexander Carlebach of Johannesburg, South Africa. A renowned speaker and mashpia, Rabbi Carlebach captivated the audience with a rich blend of personal experiences, Chassidic stories, humour and profound insights into the Rebbe’s leadership and timeless guidance. His warm and engaging style inspired attendees to deepen their own connection to the Rebbe’s teachings and to approach their personal shlichus with renewed enthusiasm and purpose.

Following the formal programme, the spirit of the evening continued with a traditional Chassidic Farbrengen. Rabbi Carlebach remained with participants until around 1:30am, sharing additional stories, singing niggunim, answering questions and engaging in heartfelt discussion. The informal gathering created an atmosphere of genuine achdus and spiritual elevation, allowing participants to experience the unique warmth and inspiration that characterises a true Chassidic Farbrengen.

Even after Rabbi Carlebach’s departure, the Farbrengen continued under the leadership of Rabbi Michoel Gourarie. With lively discussion, Chassidic melodies and words of inspiration, participants remained together until approximately 3:30 in the morning, demonstrating the enduring enthusiasm and deep sense of connection that the evening had inspired.

The atmosphere throughout the evening was greatly enhanced by the uplifting niggunim and heartfelt singing led by Rabbi Yehuda Niasoff, together with Rabbi Yehoshua Niasoff and Rabbi Motti Feldman. They inspired the entire audience to join together in song, creating the warmth, joy and togetherness that are the hallmarks of a Chassidic Farbrengen. The heartfelt melodies elevated the evening and helped foster a deep sense of connection to the Rebbe, to one another, and to the timeless message of Gimmel Tammuz.

The organisers expressed their appreciation to the sponsors, to everyone who attended and to the many volunteers and partner organisations whose support helped make the evening such a meaningful success. As communities around the world marked Gimmel Tammuz, the Sydney Farbrengen served as a powerful reminder that the Rebbe’s vision continues to inspire Jews everywhere to strengthen Torah observance, increase acts of kindness, and bring the world closer to the coming of Moshiach.