Father-Son Shabbos in Cincinnati

This past Shabbas – Rosh Chodesh Shevat 5773 – was a very special shabbas in Yeshivas Lubavitch Cincinnati. The Yeshiva hosted its first “Father and Son” Shabbas, for the parents living out of town. Over 25 fathers came from all over United States and Canada.

The festivities began Thursday evening with a special Farbrengen with Rabbi Yehoshua Botnik (Ottawa, Canada). Many parents came through the night and by the time Shacharis started, the newly renovated Beis Midrash was full.

After Davening and a special breakfast, the fathers were treated by a special Shiur Klali, by Rabbi Eliyahu Simpson, the senior Maggid Shiur in Yeshiva.

Following the shiur the parents went to their hosts (the Yeshiva thanks the local Anash for hosting and Hatamim Hashliach Mendy Berkowitz for preparing the “welcome packet”) and many went on Mivtzoim with their sons.

Friday night will forever be remembered by all that attended. Following mincha and the weekly shiur in the Besuras Hageula of the week, each father learned a Sicha with their sons. Right before Seder Niggunim and Maariv, the guests were welcomed by Rabbi Shalom B. Kalmanson.

The Seuda took place in the newly renovated dining room and was specially set up and decorated for the occasion under the direction of the Menahel Gashmi Rabbi Eliyahu Morrison. Divrei Torah were shared by Temimim Dovid Hertzel (CH) and Menachem Amar (FL), and Mr. Leibish Brahfman (CH) and Rabbi Nachman Wilhelm (MN). The Seuda was followed by a Farbrengen with Rabbi Chay Amar (FL) which lasted way into the night.

Shabbos morning began with a special Shiur by Rabbi Zalman Baras, the Mashpia of the Yeshiva. After Shacharis all fathers and sons went to eat with their hosts and Chavrei Hanhalla. Right after Mincha, there was a special Farbrengen with Rabbi Gershon Avtzon the Menahel of the Yeshiva who demanded from the parents to “get in touch” with the Bachur spirit inside themselves. After Maariv, all the parents stayed to watch the weekly video of the Rebbe on the newly installed screen (donated by Rabbi Zalman Chein) and had a special “father and son” picture taken.

Motzei Shabbos the Yeshiva hosted a communal Melave Malka. Divrei Torah were shared by hatamim Yehuda Stell (FL) and Rabbi Yossi Krasnianski (Monsey New York) as well a Siyum Gemara by Rabbi Nachum Shifren (CA). A special video presentation was shown, which highlighted the activities of the dedicated Talmidei Hashluchim.

The highlight of the Melave Malka was the presenting of the specially prepared plaques for the honorees of the event. The “Founders Award” was presented to Rabbi Shalom B. Kalmanson. The “Zevulun Award” was presented to Rabbi Moshe Toron (Cincinnati, Ohio), President of Yeshivas Lubavitch Cincinnati, who gave the Keynote address. A special plaque was presented to Rabbi Yossi Avtzon (father of Rabbi Gershon Avtzon) for his constant inspiration and support.

The guests were entertained by the music of Rabbi Yitzchak Cowen (PA) and hatamim S”Z Okunov. Bentching was led by Rabbi Yossi Levy (OH), followed by another farbrengen with Rabbi Chay Amar till 2:30am!

Special mention was given to Hatmimim Yisrael Silverman, Moshe Raichik, and Yossi Rapp for coordinating much of the activities. The parents left inspired and energized to fulfill the Rebbe’s shlichus of Lekabel Pnei Moshiach Tzidkeinu Bepoel Mamash.