Throughout the day, thousands continued to arrive by air from Eretz Yisroel, Europe, and across the United States at the Rebbe’s Ohel in Queens, NY. Many Shluchim, who were unable to leave their Chabad Houses and communities to attend the traditional “Shabbos Hachana,” landed in the early morning hours.
After immersing in nearby Mikvaos, they joined one of the many minyanim taking place in the five massive, air-conditioned tents, where excerpts of the Rebbe’s Maamar “Ve’Atah Tetzaveh” were recited by heart, as is customary.
Then came a deeply personal moment. Each Chossid found a quiet corner, visualized the Rebbe’s holy countenance, and began writing their Pidyon Nefesh, a heartfelt note for themselves and their loved ones. Pages upon pages were filled by Shluchim with the names of every Jew in their community, to be mentioned at this most auspicious time—on the 31st Yahrtzeit of the Rebbe—at the holy Ohel.
The line to enter the Ohel, stretching in perfect order for hundreds of meters, included Yidden of all backgrounds and affiliations. With humility and reverence, they passed the time studying specially prepared learning booklets, watching footage of the Rebbe, or reciting chapters of Maaneh Lashon and Tehillim, as is customary on this day.
As they neared the sacred structure, hearts beat stronger and thoughts were gathered to focus on the profound moment. Each person was granted exactly sixty seconds at the closest proximity to the Rebbe’s resting place. Volunteers stood by silently, maintaining a sacred hush, gently signaling visitors to keep moving without pause.
In awe and trepidation, the Panim—as the Rebbe would do when visiting the resting place of his father-in-law, the Frierdiker Rebbe—were torn and respectfully placed on the Rebbe’s holy resting place.
Exiting calmly through the newly constructed northern door of the Ohel building, known as the “Candle Room,” visitors quickly reached stations offering cold and hot beverages, sandwiches, fruits, and snacks to replenish. Many Chassidim fast until they enter the Ohel, and under the sweltering New York Tammuz heat—reaching 100°F—they permitted themselves only water sipped from coolers placed along the extensive line, which during peak hours meant waiting up to three hours.
Shortly after midday, senior Chassidim, head Shluchim, and members of the central body, Agudas Chassidei Chabad International, led by its chairman Rabbi Avraham Shemtov, entered the Ohel. In a voice choked with emotion, they read aloud the Pan Kloli, the collective petition on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of Chassidim around the world.
The moving prayer concluded with a heartfelt plea—that Hashem hasten the coming of Moshiach Tzidkeinu, so that we may be reunited with the Rebbe once more, and he will lead us to our Holy Land in the true and complete Geulah, immediately, mamash.
