Classmates Turning 40 Gathered For a Post-Kinus Farbrengen

By COLlive reporter
Photos: Mendy Krief/COLlive

In the hours after the Gala Banquet of the International Kinus Hashluchim in New Jersey, Lubavitchers in the age range of 40 years old were seen heading to 580 Crown St. in Crown Heights.

Warm greetings and hugs were seen as they entered the ground level shul for what was titled an almost impromptu Hakhel “inspirational evening and reunion” on Sunday.

For many participating, it has been the first time in years that they were meeting childhood friends and classmates from school and Yeshiva. Focused on their lives, it has been natural that they have lost touch.

The current year of Hakhel propelled Yaakov Kantor, Sadya Engel, Yitzi Hein, Avi Webb, Yossi Bryski, Chaim Zaklos, and Laibel Kesselman to plan and organize an evening on the sidelines of the Kinus.

What transpired was a grassroots Farbrengen where different participants – locals or visiting from cities or Shlichus – stood up, said L’chaim and shared words Torah and chizzuk.

A special L’chaim was said for the speedy recovery of the Shliach and classmate of many, Shmuel Ben Bracha Tirtza. In fact, a few planned to go to the Rebbe’s Ohel the very next morning to daven together for him.

During the Farbrengen, some mentioned the need to stay in touch and set up chavrusas to learn with each other. It was suggested that those living in Crown Heights serve as a connection point for children of Shluchim and mekuravim who visit or move to the neighborhood.

Lasting for hours, participants left enthralled about the Hakhel opportunity and the results which shall follow.