The Suffield Yeshiva marked the Chassidishe Yomim Tovim of Kislev with farbrengens led by The Yeshiva Mashpeim and guest speakers who shared profound and inspiring messages that deeply resonated with the bochurim.
Rabbi Meir Chaim Posner, shliach to Yale University, led a farbrengen for Tes Kislev, the birthday and yahrzeit of the Mitteler Rebbe, as well as Yud Kislev, the day of his chag hageulah. He began by addressing the concept of a second kitrug following the events of Yud-Tes Kislev. Rabbi Posner delved into the broader idea of a kitrug against Chassidus, posing the question: how could there be opposition to Hashem’s own will, given that the dissemination of Chassidus aligns with Hashem’s ultimate desire for a Dirah B’tachtonim?
Another central theme of the farbrengen was the importance of properly understanding and presenting the teachings of Chassidus. Rabbi Posner emphasized the need to convey these ideas in an abstract and refined manner, avoiding overly literal or materialistic interpretations (l’hafshit ha’dvarim mi’gashmiyutam). Through stories and in-depth explanations, he brought these concepts to life, offering practical insights for the bochurim.
On Motzei Shabbos, Yud Daled Kislev, Rabbi Avremel Sternberg, Director of Chabad of Eastern Connecticut, led another impactful farbrengen. His message revolved around the Rebbe’s poignant words regarding the day: “Der tog vos hot farbunden mir mit eich un eich mit mir” (“The day that connected me with you and you with me”). Rabbi Sternberg tied this to the concept of lefichach anachnu chayavim—our obligations stemming from our deep connection to the Rebbe.
Drawing a parallel to the Haggadah’s explanation that our obligations arise because Hashem took us out of galus, he emphasized that our bond with the Rebbe similarly calls for action and unwavering commitment.
