Chassidim Celebrate A New Year in Sydney

SYDNEY, Australia — More than 200 people ushered in the Chassidic new year at a Farbrengen, a Chassidic celebration, at the Yeshiva Centre earlier this week.

The farbrengen was a celebration of Kislev 19, the Hebrew date that the founder of the Chabad Lubavitcher movement Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi was released from prison in l8th century Russia.

Rabbi Zalman was arrested on suspicion of treason because of his support of Jews in the Ottoman territory of Palestine.

Melbourne author and Gateway Family Counselling Centre Inc Director Raphael Aron who addressed farbrengen attendees, highlighted the importance of the Chabad movement in effecting positive change.

“We all know what Chabad does in terms of setting up Chabad houses, blowing the shofar for prisoners, and so on, but I tried to tell stories about how the dynasty of the Lubavitcher Rebbes, which began with Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, have changed people’s lives”, Aron told the AJN.“Not just the big stories, but the small ones, and even how non-Jewish people have been helped because of these people.”

Event attendees participated in a long night of singing. dancing, praying and learning, culminating in Aron sharing his experiences and wisdom.

“The stories weren’t just about interest. I wanted people to draw lessons and recognise that it’s a privilege to be part of these organisations, in which non-Jewish people can be active and benefit from too”, Aron said.

“I tried to demonstrate the global, holistic and unique nature of the influences of the last Rebbe of the Chabad Lubavitcher movement, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, and the Rebbes through the generations.”

Similar celebrations were held in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth this week