Tens of thousands are expected to visit the Rebbe’s holy Ohel this Shabbos and Sunday, in honor of the the 31st Yahrzeit of the Rebbe, Gimmel Tammuz.
In preparation, the administration of Ohel Chabad-Lubavitch Center, under the leadership of Rabbi Abba Refson, has announced a new layout for this year’s yartzeit to accommodate the large crowds and enhance the experience.
What’s New This Year:
Men’s Entrance Pathway: Bochurim, yungerleit, and children will enter through the main Montefiore Cemetery gate on Francis Lewis Blvd. The line will be covered by large, air-conditioned tents and equipped with seating, cold drinks, and video screens playing sichos and scenes of the Rebbe.
Women’s Entrance Pathway: Women and girls will have a designated entrance behind the reception desk, via the first tent near the Chabad House and Welcome Center.
Inside the Ohel: In keeping with the minhag from when the Rebbe distributed dollars and kuntreisim, everyone will walk through the Ohel in a continuous flow, without stopping. Maaneh Lashon and personal tefilos should be said while waiting in line.
New Exit: A new exit has been carved into the northern wall of the Ohel, leading to two exit pathways. At the end of each route, visitors will find hand-washing stations, hot and cold drinks, fresh sandwiches, fruit, and mezonos.
A clear map is available in both Hebrew and English for public use.
Halachic Approval for Kohanim:
Rabbi Yosef Yeshaya Braun, Mara D’Asra of Crown Heights, personally visited the Ohel grounds to inspect the new routes. After a detailed halachic review, he confirmed that the pathways — including for Kohanim — are fully permissible lechatchila, even mehadrin min hamehadrin. Pages with the full halachic reasoning have been published for public reference.
Shabbos at the Ohel:
For the many guests arriving already on Erev Shabbos, a full Hachnosas Orchim (hospitality) system is in place. Here’s what to expect:
Tefillos and Learning: All tents behind the houses near the cemetery will be used for davening, learning Chassidus, and reviewing the Rebbe’s sichos. The main minyan will be held directly near the Ohel, with additional minyanim and Torah reading options in the surrounding tents.
Shabbos Meals: A large air-conditioned tent has been erected for Shabbos seudos at the nearby school campus. From the Ohel, turn right on Francis Lewis Blvd. and walk about five minutes. Signs and 24-hour security will guide the way.
Sleeping Arrangements: Those who pre-registered will have access to a special air-conditioned sleeping tent set up in the park on Francis Lewis Blvd., a short five-minute walk from the Ohel. Signage and security will be in place throughout Shabbos.
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