60 Paris Teens Spent a Shabbos in a Yeshiva

A special Shabbos Achdus was held at the Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch Yeshiva of Brunoy, drawing more than 60 young men from across the Paris region, aged 15 to 22, for an immersive weekend of Yeshiva life and Chassidic inspiration.

Held over the hiliday of Shavuot, the gathering aligned with the Rebbe’s directive to host events of Ahavat Yisrael during this time in preparation to receive the Torah in unity.

For over eight years, Shabbatons like this have been taking place in Brunoy, beginning with just a handful of participants and growing steadily in both numbers and impact. More and more young men have expressed interest each year in experiencing the unique spirit and vitality of a Shabbat in Yeshiva.

The participants hailed from a wide range of educational institutions including Ner Hatorah, Beth Hanna, Merkaz Hatorah, ORT Montreuil, Otzar Hatorah (13e and Créteil), Lucien de Hirsch, Sinai, Beth Aaron, Beth Israel, Chneor, George Leven, public high schools, and even universities like Sorbonne Paris, Lycée Descartes, and École Polytechnique.

Upon arriving Friday afternoon, the young men were greeted warmly and provided with air-conditioned rooms, a printed program, a bag of sweets, and a pastry snack. A group photo was taken in the Yeshiva courtyard with Rabbi Yitzchak Nemanov, Rabbi Zalman Segal, Rabbi Mendel Gurevitch, and Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Yechiel Menachem Mendel Kalmenson.

They then joined a spirited Seder Nigunim in the main Zal with nearly 200 bochurim. A Maamar of the Rebbe was translated into French for the guests.

The Kabbalas Shabbos tefilah was uplifting, with fervent singing, dancing, and sincere involvement by the young participants. The Friday night meal was a highlight, with divrei Torah and personal reflections centered on the theme of Yeshiva and its role in Jewish life. One young man even announced his decision to study for a full year at the Yeshiva.

Shabbos morning began with Seder Chassidut at 8:00 am, followed by tefilah and a unique aliyah auction—where bids were made through spiritual commitments. These included learning Chitas, keeping strict Kosher standards, doing Netilat Yadayim, memorizing Mishnayot, and putting on Tefillin with others—one even pledging over 130 Tefillin sessions.

A powerful moment of the day was the teaching and heartfelt singing of the Chassidic niggun “Der Pilpul,” which deeply moved both the guests and the Yeshiva’s bochurim.

In the afternoon, participants engaged in intense chavrusa learning with the bochurim, followed by a Farbrengen led by Rabbi Berel Lasry, Rav of the Yeshiva Ketana, who encouraged practical takeaways from the inspiration.

Following Havdalah, joyous dancing and a raffle concluded the program. Prizes included €50 and €100 gift cards, and the grand prize—a ticket to visit the Rebbe. Rabbi Yitzchak Nemanov closed with a Dvar Torah, and the winning participant was lifted on shoulders in celebration, ending the Shabbat with Simchat Torah-like joy.

The Shabbos Achdus was organized by the Talmidei Hashluchim of Brunoy: Hatamim Hashliach Yossi Ouaki, Shneor Zalman Dahan, Arie Nedjar, Avromi Matusof, Avromi Taubenblatt, and Avraham Baruch Slonim, with support from Matia Karalou.

The event’s success was thanks to the Yeshiva’s administration and, above all, the bochurim of the Yeshiva whose presence and warmth shaped the unforgettable atmosphere. With Hashem’s help and the Rebbe’s bracha, this Shabbat exceeded all expectations.