The ‘Meeting of Souls‘ at the Ohel Before Gimmel Tammuz

By COLlive reporter 

In preparation for Gimmel Tammuz, a special farbrengen, bringing together shluchim, community members, and supporters from the New York Metropolitan area, took place near the Ohel.

The “A Meeting of Souls” event was organized by the Lubavitch Youth Organization in partnership with participating shluchim.

Rabbi Yossi Kamman, publisher of the Derher magazine, served as master of ceremonies and explained the unique significance of the time and place.

Rabbi Shlomo Friedman, administrator and board member of the Lubavitch Youth Organization, led the assembled in the recital of the Rebbe’s kapitel. Rabbi Michoel Goldin from Chabad of Teaneck, NJ, then led the participants in reciting Tehillim for the safety and security of the people and land of Israel.

The first speaker, Rabbi Kasriel Kastel, Program Director of the Lubavitch Youth Organization, explored the concept of praying at the Ohel of a tzadik. He explained how throughout Jewish history, the Jewish people have consistently turned to the holy resting places of tzadikim for prayer and inspiration. As we can clearly see in our time, the Ohel of the Rebbe, who is the Nasi—the leader of our generation—has become a destination for millions who visit to connect and receive blessings.

Rabbi Kastel took a moment to remember Rabbi Shmuel Butman OBM, the longtime director of the Lubavitch Youth Organization, who would organize the annual farbrengen with great devotion. Rabbi Butman was always dedicated to the Rebbe’s campaigns and initiatives. Through his efforts, he uplifted and inspired countless individuals.

Rabbi Mendy Herson, Regional Director of Chabad of New Jersey and Dean of the Rabbinical College of America, shared personal experiences from his childhood, describing how the Rebbe empowered him to reach out to his friends from a young age.

He spoke about his father, Rabbi Moshe Herson OBM, whom the Rebbe guided from his youth, consistently inspiring and challenging him to be a leader as he built the Rabbinical College of America and numerous Chabad institutions across New Jersey.

A special JEM video presentation highlighted the Rebbe’s care for the people and land of Israel, including a special presentation featuring testimonials from individuals expressing gratitude for the Rebbe’s special blessings.

The keynote address was delivered by Rabbi Yossy Goldman, Life Rabbi Emeritus of the Sydenham Shul in Johannesburg and president of the South African Rabbinical Association.

Rabbi Goldman spoke about the Rebbe’s leadership throughout the years, emphasizing how the Rebbe was consistently present to comfort and guide Klal Yisroel through the most complex times.

He highlighted the Rebbe’s special relationship with Israel and how he was a lone voice of confidence and encouragement over the years, particularly during the lead-up to the Six-Day War in 1967, the miraculous rescue at Entebbe in 1976, and the first Gulf War in 1991.

On a personal note, he shared how the Rebbe assured and reassured South African Jewry about the future of their country and community, noting that its present vibrancy is primarily thanks to the Rebbe’s optimism, encouragement, and blessings.

Rabbi Goldman’s presentation was eye-opening in its demonstration of the expansiveness of the Rebbe’s leadership.

He concluded that in our time as well, the Rebbe’s words continue to comfort and guide us until we merit seeing the coming of Moshiach speedily in our days.

Throughout the entire farbrengen, what was evident was the Rebbe’s deep care for every Jew and his continued presence with us, blessing us in all that we need.

In addition to the many who were present, the event was live-streamed, where over 3000 people joined and participated as the world prepared for Gimmel Tammuz.

The master of ceremonies thanked the Vaad of Tzach and the participating shluchim and wished them success in their endeavors.

Following the farbrengen, many participants were inspired to visit the Ohel, where they connected “soul to soul” by writing letters and connecting most profoundly and personally with the Nasi Hador.

VIDEO: Full Replay