The largest Yud Tes Kislev Farbrengen and dinner was held at Chabad Lubavitch of Thornhill in honor of Yud Tes Kislev.
The event drew a huge crowd, including many chashuve rabbonim and Yidden from all segments of the community. Chaim Feidman, one of the attendees, remarked that this was the first time he had ever seen such broad participation from across the Toronto area at a Yud Tes Kislev Farbrengen.
As people entered, they were greeted by a large display of Chassidish seforim available for purchase, hosted by the Chabad Library under the leadership of Rabbi and Mrs. Gansberg. Many attendees took the opportunity to bring Chassidus into their homes by purchasing seforim.
The tone was set early with the first-ever live band at a Yud Tes Kislev Farbrengen in Toronto. The band played niggunim, bringing a new level of inspiration and simcha to the evening, and was led by local talent Shmuily Zweibel, Mordchai Kanner, and Moshe Lexier.
Adding to the inspiration, the Cheder Chabad Grade 4 choir, led by Rabbi Weinfield, the Grade 4 rebbe and host of the podcast “The Chassidim and Their Niggunim,” worked tirelessly with the boys, whose heartfelt niggunim and songs deeply uplifted the crowd.
The evening was masterfully emceed by Rabbi Dr. Mendy Loewenthal, who shared many inspiring insights and kept the crowd engaged throughout. Several powerful videos were shown, highlighting the depth and transformative power of learning Tanya.
The Farbrengen was further honored by the presence of prominent rabbonim and community leaders, including Rabbi Mordechai Sheiner, Rosh Kollel Ohr Yosef; Rabbi Zrihan, Rosh Kollel Yad Yosef; Rabbi Dr. Seth Grouer, Rosh Yeshiva Ohr Chaim; Rabbi Yoseph Phillip, Assistant / Sgan Rov of Agudas Yisroel Toronto; Rabbi Lipner Tov of Shaaray Tefila; Rabbi Man of Clanton Park Shul; Rabbi Zalman Oster of Yeshivas Lubavitch Toronto; and Rabbi M. Steinmetz of the Israeli Center of Toronto.
Rabbi Dr. Seth Grouer introduced his chavrusa and close friend, Rabbi Zalman Leib Markowitz, as the main speaker of the event, who captivated and uplifted the crowd for several hours into the early morning.
Other notable guests included Edward Kholodenko, CEO of Questrade, who was instrumental in helping ensure the remarkable community turnout.
The event was graciously sponsored by Eliezer & Denise Robbins, Reb Oren Antebi & Family, Reb Avraham Bernstein & Family, Dr. Moshe Chernik & Family, Rabbi Idan Cohen & Family, Reb Yosef Domnitz & Family, Reb Yosef Kasle & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Howard Katz, Dr. & Mrs. Mendy Loewenthal, Reb Sholom Meyer & Family, Reb Shraga White & Family, Reb Pasi Wolosow & Family, and Rabbi & Mrs. Boruch Zaltzman for a bracha for good health, as well as Reb Yosef Adler & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Ari Rosenzweig, Dr. Chaim Goldberg, and Dr. & Mrs. Shraga Kalvari.
The Farbrengen was organized through the dedicated efforts of Rabbi Splatter, Rabbi Shur, Mendel Goldstein, Pasi Wolosow, and Levi Rosenfeld.
This was truly an unforgettable Yud Tes Kislev.
