Yud Shvat Farbrenges in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Anash community hosted a Yud Shevat Kinus for men and women and several Farbrengens.

These events, which were organized and occurred in a spirit of Achdus and Ahavas Yisroel, were coordinated and sponsored by Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon with Rabbi Avrohom Meir Zajac of Congregation Bais Bezalel of South Beverly Hills, by Rabbi Shimon Raichik of Congregation Levi Yitzchok of Hancock Park and by BenTzion Novack of West Coast Anash.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (Photos by Mrs. Mushka Lightstein)

“The Connection of a Chossid and Rebbe” was the theme for Shabbos. Rabbi Leibel Groner Farbrenged at Congregation Levi Yitzchok and Rabbi Shmuel Lew Farbrenged at Bais Bezalel. Both Farbrengens emphasized that Yud Shevat is the Rosh Hashanah Melachim and the Nasius of the Rebbe, and discussed appropriate preparations for the auspicious day based on the Rebbe’s letters. Additionally, since Shabbos was the ninth yahrtzeit of Rabbi Menachem Shmuel Dovid Raichik, Shadar (Emissary of the Rebbes’) for nearly fifty years, Rabbi Groner explained that HaShem had mercy on us by sending to us a “living chossid” … the type of chossid that the Alter Rebbe would have had and the type of chossid who was an exemplar for our generation. Rabbi Groner explained, “there are no words to describe his avoda, his davening and his Ahavas Yisroel.” Farbrengens in both shuls lasted until maariv.

Sunday, the West Coast Anash Convention continued with two sessions at Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad where Rabbi Mendel Spalter prepared the new Bais Midrash for over 150 attendees. The morning session was a panel discussion with questions and answers on Chinuch (Education) and Parenting. Rabbi Leibel Groner gave advice and guidance based on the Rebbe’s perspective, Rabbi Shmuel Lew spoke about the connection and interactions between child, parent and teacher. Joining the panel was Rabbi Shmuel Stauber, a therapist based in Monsey, who amplified upon the two other guests and framed the discussion in the language of psychotherapy. It was enlightening to have three different perspectives on every topic discussed.

The afternoon session began after a light lunch. Rabbi Stauber discussed “Relationships That Work” and how to enhance communications in the home. Rabbi Stauber noted that the fact that so many people attended the sessions clearly indicates that people thirst to improve interaction within their families.

Sunday evening over 500 people packed Moshe Ganz Hall and dined on a sumptuous banquet catered by Rabbi Mendel Goldman. Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon said the maamor with translation and explanation. Rabbi Shimon Raichik spoke about hiskashrus, and how his father was a foot solder of the Rebbe. When the Rebbe requested something, this request became an integral part of his life. Everybody remembers how Rabbi Raichik always had Tefilin with him … whether on Fairfax Avenue or in the White House, because that is what the Rebbe wanted.

This theme was amplified by Rabbi Leibel Groner. We must make ourselves into vessels so that we may internalize the Rebbes’ teachings and do the work that they taught us. It is not enough to that Hashem that we are Chassidim, but we must internalize it. Rabbi Groner also explained the greatness of Yud Shevat, the hilula of the Rebbe Rayatz and the Nasius of the Rebbe.

Rabbi Shmuel Lew explained the task of the seventh generation. Rabbi Lew explained that the Rebbe gave a z’chus to everybody, so that we will bring Moshiach. Even if we have different opinions or different perspectives, we can all unite in this task.

Video presentations added to the atmosphere of Achdus and helped to set the mood regarding Yud Shevat. During the evening, several hundred people wrote pannim to the Rebbe and Rabbi Raichik and family collected them. The following morning, Rabbi Shimon Raichik flew to New York and personally placed them at the Ohel.

After benching, Rabbi Leibel Groner sat down with hundreds of Anash, Bochurim and guests and Farbrenged until 1:30 in the morning.

A truly memorable weekend was had by all who participated.