Montreal Mashpia Inspires Melbourne Community

For Chai Elul, the Melbourne Anash community had the special privilege of welcoming Rabbi Sholom Ber Cohen, the beloved Mashpia from Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim in Montreal.

Rabbi Cohen is known for his deep and sincere understanding of Chassidus and Avodah as well as his ability to inspire everyone around him. His visit brought new energy to the community, especially as he helped people connect to the significance of Chai Elul.

During his time in Melbourne, Rabbi Cohen gave several shiurim in Chassidus – focusing on Maamorim of the Rebbe and the Rebbe Rashab.

He has a unique way of taking the deeper ideas of Chassidus and making them accessible to everyone, no matter their level of learning. His shiurim emphasized the importance of avodas hatefilah and learning Chassidus as tools for personal growth. The shiurim left many participants inspired to take their davening and learning to the next level.

The real highlight of Rabbi Cohen’s visit was the farbrengen that lasted throughout Shabbos. Described by one participant as “a farbrengen from another time!” – both bochurim and Balei Batim crowded around Rabbi Sholom Ber to hear ideas and stories from his Mashpiim such as Reb Mendel Futerfas, Motel Kozliner, and many others.

“Since Rabbi Cohen’s visit, there’s already been a noticeable shift in the community. People are approaching davening with more focus, diving deeper into their learning of Chassidus, and making a bigger effort to show love and care for one another,” organizers said. “Rabbi Cohen’s visit wasn’t just a week of inspiration; it’s already leaving a lasting impact, and the community is excited to continue growing from the powerful lessons he shared. And hope to see him back here next year IYH.”