“Positive is an understatement,” organizers said of the feedback to the global Chof Beis Shevat webcast hosted by Vaad Or v’Chom Hahiskashrus on Motzei Shabbos.
The day of Chof Beis Shevat is significant in a chosid’s calendar, first and foremost, it is the yahrtzeit of the one closest to the Rebbe. Through the years we observed the Rebbe commemorating the Yohrtzeit with great reverence, sharing with us the greatness of the day and teaching us the lessons we ought to learn from the Rebbetzin’s conduct.
In an effort to bring wide range inspiration and a sense of connection to this important day, Vaad Or v’Chom Hahiskashrus developed the webcast that was aired this past Motzei Shabbos. In speaking with the organizers of the event, they shared that they were faced with a unique challenge. “We set our goal to reach the widest range of age and background within the world-wide Anash community. We wanted to present a program that would be deeply meaningful and relevant to as many people as possible.”
The program featured speakers Rabbis Shlomo Bistritzky, Yossi Deren, Yossi Lew and Dr. Ira Weiss. They related personal reflections, practical lessons and a celebration of the life and role as the Rebbetzin of our Rebbe.
Amazingly, this farbrengen struck a deep chord in many of the thousands online participants. People who lived in Crown Heights and never met the Rebbetzin say this farbrengen opened their eyes to a world they did not know. Younger chassidim who were born well after the passing of the Rebbetzin in 1988, say they now feel a more personal appreciation to the Rebbetzin and the life lessons one can glean from her, and this farbrengen has deepened their connection as a chossid to the Rebbe.
Comments from the viewers were very telling.
“Thank you very much to the presenters, and all the organizers of this farbrengen. As a chosid of the younger generation who was not privileged to meet t the Rebbe, I found it enlightening, inspiring and motivating.”
“For someone who doesn’t learn sichos these settings work well for me and inspire and motivate me to be more!”
“I was particularly moved by R’ Bistritzky’s personal story of the Rebbetzin’s sensitivity towards him which impacted him for life (and resonates for me).”
“Dr. Weiss, I cling to your words and the humility you display when sharing. Thank you!!”
“Magnificent! We need more of these farbrengens. Helps us connect and be proud to be a part of this. Thank you all presenters! All great!”
A Chossid in Brazil sent the following message at the conclusion of the program. “It’s almost 2 am in Brazil and every minute watching and participating was very inspiring. A groisen Yasher Koach,” wrote Rabbi Yosi Alpern.
These are but a handful of the numerous comments that were received. Looking at the viewing statistics, more than fifteen thousand Chassiddim were joined online at the same time, participating as a global family in marking the Rebbetzin’s Yahrtzeit and taking to heart the life lessons she inspires.
The convenient setting of this online webcast brought families together in a Melave Malkah setting for what proved to be a truly fitting and befitting commemoration L’zecher Nishmas our dear Rebbetzin.
Chassidim who were not able to participate on Motzei Shabbos have been accessing the playback video as this farbrengen continues to travel the world and inspire greater pride and a call to greater action amongst the world wide family of Anash.
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