By COLlive reporter
Photos by Yossi Jerufi
In a powerful display of devotion, tens of thousands of individuals from across the globe are flocking to the Ohel, the resting place of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, on the auspicious day of Gimmel Tammuz.
With unwavering faith, men, women, and children patiently stood in line – at times for 180 minutes – throughout Wednesday night and Thursday, eager to deliver their handwritten requests for blessings from above and to connect with the Rebbe’s timeless teachings.
Today marked the 29th anniversary of the Rebbe’s passing, an occasion that carries tremendous significance for Chassidim worldwide. Over 50,000 individuals are expected to visit the Ohel throughout the week, according to Chabad.org. Additionally, hundreds of thousands more are availing themselves of the opportunity to send their heartfelt prayers to be placed at the sacred site.
On Thursday afternoon, a delegation from Agudas Chassidei Chabad International, the umbrella organization of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, arrived at the Ohel to deliver the collective “Pan Kloli” petition of prayer on behalf of Chassidim everywhere.
Spearheaded by Chairman Rabbi Avraham Shemtov, who also serves as the Head Shliach of Philadelphia and Washington, DC, the delegation included Aguch members Rabbi Yisroel Shmotkin, the Wisconsin Head Shliach, Rabbi Berel Mochkin, the Head Shliach of Montreal in Canada and Rabbi Yisroel Spalter, Shliach in Weston, FL.
The purpose of their visit was to beseech blessings for the Chabad-Lubavitch community and the entire Jewish people, praying for a deepened commitment to Yiddishkeit (Judaism) and a strengthened connection to the Rebbe’s teachings. Their petitions encompassed a wide range of requests, encompassing material prosperity and robust health.
As evening descends, Aguch will be hosting a Central Gimmel Tammuz Farbrengen at Campus Chomesh – Beis Rivkah on Lefferts Avenue in Crown Heights. This gathering will serve as a focal point for Chassidim and bochurim to unite in commemorating this sacred day. Similar Farbrengens are taking place in various locations, allowing Chassidim to draw inspiration and connect with the Rebbe’s teachings wherever they may be.
Gimmel Tammuz serves as a powerful reminder of the Rebbe’s enduring legacy. The fervor and unity displayed at the Ohel and the multitude of gatherings worldwide illustrate the Rebbe’s unwavering influence on the lives of countless individuals, both within the Chabad-Lubavitch community and beyond.
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Every year, I am blown away at the very impressive, organized production the Ohel staff puts on and yet, each new year they amaze me even more by adding MANY new items to improve the visitor flow, safety and security, very attractive set up, etc. I’m just so very grateful to all those who must contribute so significantly in many areas to make this happen. Thank you for another beautiful Gimmel Tammuz!