By COLlive reporter
The annual pilgrimage to the Ohel resting place of the Rebbe in honor of his yahrtzeit in Cambria Heights, Queens, will be “more orderly” this year, says Rabbi Abba Refson, Director of Ohel Chabad Lubavitch.
AnnMarie Costella of the Queens Chronicle reported that about 20,000 people are expected to make the trip for Gimmel Tammuz from June 21 to 24.
The paper said that in years past, residents have complained about blocked driveways, traffic jams and excessive trash, despite efforts by the Chabad organizers to tackle the problems.
While most visitors make an ‘in ‘n out’ trip to the Old Montefiore cemetery, some chassidim and bochurim spend a Shabbos nearby as well.
“Most visitors will not be staying on the Sabbath,” Rabbi Refson said about the diverse crowd of Jews that come from around New York and the world. “We expect most of them to come on Thursday and Sunday.”
This year, the tents behind the Ohel houses on Francis Lewis Blvd. will only be used for davening and learning.
The Shabbos meals and farbrengens will be held in temporary tents erected at the Delphin H. Greene Playground on 121st Avenue between 235th and 237th streets, a spokesman for the Parks Department said.
Rabbi Refson also applied for a Department of Buildings permit to erect a tent in the parking lot at the cemetery, which would provide sleeping accommodations for 1,500 people.
How to RSVP
Chassidim can reserve sleeping accommodations by Ohel Chabad Lubavitch at ShabbosReservations.com.
Bochurim should text the word “Bochurim” and their name to 313131, to RSVP with the Vaad Hatmimim who are coordinating their sleeping arrangements.
Members of Chabad Houses have a program at the Sheraton JFK Hotel by Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch – Suite 302. Register at NYShabbos.com
This is of course that the Rebbe is Melech HaMoshiach & will take us 2 Yerushalyaim. That goes without a doubt & question.
that is true but the rebbe said a sicha about why are making buildings etc when moshiach is coming already.
AMEN!!!! Simcha Poretz Geder!
Oh what a tzadik! Such a sweetheart!
Please,please, let’s remember, way way before Gimmel Tammuz we will be celebrating the arrival of Moshiach Tzidkeinu so all these plans will be reversed to tents all around Yerushalayim near our Third Beis Hamikdosh, No reservations necessary…room for all! Shor Habor and Livyason will be served…Amein Kein Yehi Ratzon!