More than 5,000 people tuned in on the web for a powerful and uplifting Central Yud Shvat Farbrengen, led by Rabbis Laibel Schapiro and Yitzchak Schochet, a night that captured the spirit and responsibility of the day.
Hosted at Remsen Village Lubavitch Shul and broadcast live on Chabad.org, the event brought together Chassidim from around the world in a shared moment of inspiration and hachlotos tovos.
Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet delivered a deeply eloquent address on the enduring legacy of the Rebbe, emphasizing that Yud Shvat is not only about emotion or inspiration, but about responsibility. The Rebbe’s vision, he explained, must be fulfilled through action, real, tangible deeds that bring Yiddishkeit into the world.
Rabbi Laibel Schapiro of Miami, Florida uplifted hearts and souls with a profound message rooted in this year’s Basi LeGani theme. He explored how a Chossid can cultivate both a Makif HaKarov, a close, personal connection to the Rebbe, and a Makif HaRachok, a transcendent, awe-filled bond, showing how both dimensions are essential to a complete relationship.
The Farbrengen was masterfully emceed by Rabbi Levi Hecht, son of the legendary Chossid Rabbi JJ Hecht and renowned for his leadership for over 40 year at Camp Emunah. Rabbi Hecht shared moving stories that illustrated the living impact of the Released Time program, highlighting how tens of thousands of children, and ultimately entire families, have become religious and proudly affiliated with Judaism as a direct result of this initiative.
Joyous and soulful niggunim were led by Mendy Groner, uplifting everyone who joined with a deep sense of hiskashrus.
This one-of-a-kind Farbrengen was organized and sponsored by the NCFJE’s Released Time Program. Rabbi Shimon Hecht of the NCFJE Executive Committee shared: “Yud Shvat and Released Time are synonymous. When you see public school children transformed—transitioning to Jewish schooling and living as proud Jews—you know: Af Hu Bachayim.”
The Farbrengen was held in conjunction with the annual Released Time Program fundraiser, giving everyone an easy and meaningful opportunity to contribute to the impact of Released Time and to fulfill the Rebbe’s wishes, as he stated in 1966:
“On the day of the yahrzeit of my father-in-law, the Rebbe, it is my sincere hope that you are doing—and will continue to do in the future—all that you can to support Released Time.”
If you haven’t yet, please support the great work of Released Time here.
VIDEO: Full Replay
Nice to see Rabbi Yerachmeal Rabin from Oak Park at the Dias
thank you