By COLlive reporter
Two Shluchim who often bring members of their Chabad centers to visit the Rebbe’s Ohel are looking to share the experience with many more.
Rabbi Mendel Kaplan of Thornhill, ONT, and Rabbi Moshe New of Hampstead, Quebec, developed a full program for those that are not regulars of ‘Gimmel Tammuz at the Ohel.’
Lubavitch chassidim and bochurim traditionally come to the Ohel in Old Montefiore Cemetery in Cambria Heights, Queens, on the Rebbe’s yahrtzeit on Tammuz 3, to daven and connect.
The Shabbos closest to the yahrzeit is spent by many at the Ohel, with large tents being put up for davening, meals and sleeping – at locations near Francis Lewis Boulevard.
A more tailored program, developed by Rabbis Kaplan and New for “Chabad mekuravim,” is offering “A Shabbat of spiritual rejuvenation and inspiration.”
Participants will be based out of the Sheraton JFK Airport Hotel in Jamaica, NY, and treated to 48 hours of delving into the Rebbe’s Torah through learning, discussions, and farbrengens.
Friday night and Shabbos afternoon gourmet meals will by catered by the respected David Scharf, of the Kinus Hashluchim Banquet fame.
The group will be visiting the Ohel on Friday and again on Shabbos afternoon making the close to 5 mile walk from the 3 star hotel to the Rebbe’s Ohel.
COLlive.com has learned that the program will conclude with a Melave Malka and a visit to Crown Heights on Sunday (there’s an option to participate only in the Shabbos program).
“On many occasions the Rebbe expressed his appreciation to those who brought groups to him for Shabbos” to share what they themselves received, Rabbis Kaplan and New wrote in an email.
The program is being organized by Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch’s Suite 302. More information can be found at http://www.nyshabbos.com/
As for the general public, the management of Ohel Chabad-Lubavitch asked to remind that RSVP is required for sleeping accommodations in the tents and the meals at ShabbosReservations.com (bochurim should register with Vaad Hatmimim.)
I believe w omens’ participation is a positive idea.
The question is one of logistics.
Masses is a somewhat insulting term for Jews who come for 3 Tammuz.
great idea
About time someone did this. Wonderful. Great idea.
I’m sure the organizers are aware of that
It is 1.5 hours each way
what a wonderful idea to include women and families too!
Don’t block traffic when you walk. Be courteous and make a good impression to the general public.
An hour plus++ walk is in store for them.