50-Year-Old Lubavitchers Gather for a Shabbos in New York

What does it take to bring seventy – 50-year olds together for a Shabbos?

A lot of positive thinking and determination!

Designed to be a class reunion for boys who were born in 5736/1976, a Shabbos Achdus was set in motion in celebration of turning 50.

A sizable group of Chassidim made up of old friends, new friends and some who met for the first time, met at the Ohel on Friday morning and then went on to “farbreng” a Shabbos together at a nearby location. Friends traveled from all over the US, Canada, Europe and Eretz Yisroel and included participants from numerous Chabad Yeshivos.

The point of the weekend together was simple and focused: Let’s be here with each other, and for each other and give the Rebbe Nachas!

And that’s exactly what it was…and then some!

While at the Ohel on Friday, the group went to visit two classmates who are in Oilam Ha’emes.
Having been notified of the visit to Mochai Schapiro A”H, his mother sent this message to Meir Geisinsky to share with the group (and shared here with permission):

Dear Friends שיחיו עמו״ש,
We were deeply touched by your profound gesture. True friends remember one another, even after many years.
We are certain that Mochai is smiling Above. As he pleads on behalf of his family, he surely pleads as well for all of you—his dear friends—for Gezunt, Hatzlocho בגו”ר, Yiddishe Chassidishe Nachas from your families and from his, Mazeldike Shidduchim for all, Menuchas HaNefesh, and Simchos with freiliche hertzer.
And may we all merit the ultimate גאולה האמיתית והשלמה על ידי משיח צדקנו, ונזכה זעהן זיך מיט׳ן רבי׳ן דא למטה ולמטה מעשרה טפחים—והוא יגאלנו! ויקיצו וירננו… והם מרדכי גרשון ולוי בתוכם!
NOW!

Some of the unique highlights included a “speak from the heart” farbrengen on Shabbos afternoon.

There were tears, there was laughter until it hurt, there was a tangible feeling of Zaro Bachayim, Hu Bachayim and vice versa, Hu Bachayim, Zaro Bachayim. In a room full of businessmen, Roshei Yeshivas, Shluchim and Mashpiim, you would not have known who was who.

“The Rebbe Lebt” resounded from every corner of the room at all times.

Friday afternoon brought participants face to face with a camera to share childhood memories of the Rebbe as well as personal experiences. Each interview brought fresh Hiskashrus to the fore and a priceless collection of “how I live with the Rebbe today” takeaways.

The “ice breaker” was re-termed “ice melter!”

The Shiurim at the Ohel, on Shabbos and on Sunday were riveting.

At any given time, there were small group huddles: friends catching up; chaverim in need of a listening ear; business advice being shared. It was one long group hug where everyone was wanting to know what they can do to help a chaver.

When asked how he feels about the way Shabbos Achdus turned out, Chezky Holtzberg, one of the main driving forces behind it, kept it simple and powerful: “This is needed in more ways than we will ever know. And we need to keep the renewed friendship and strengthened Hiskashrus alive.”

Joining Chesky in the lead planning of the Shabbos Achdus were Choni Friedman, Yosef Wolvovsky and Meir Geisinsky. Thanks goes to Mayer Kotlarsky who spearheaded last year’s Shabbos Achdus and directly inspired Meir Geisinsky to pick it up and make it happen this year.