Last week, Gateshead in England witnessed a remarkable and transformative event that left an indelible mark on the local Jewish community. A historic Yud Tes Kislev Farbrengen was held on Thursday evening at the Simcha Hall in the Bewick Centre, one of the largest venues in the Jewish area of Gateshead. Organized by Ari Black, in collaboration with Bochurim from Kingsley Way and Lubavitch Yeshiva Ketana in London, this monumental gathering brought together hundreds in a celebration of unity, inspiration, and the spreading of the wellsprings of Chassidus.
The event featured the esteemed Rabbi Noson Gurary from Buffalo, joined by his grandsons, Moshe Gurary and two Bochurim from Brunoy Yeshiva in Paris. Rabbi Gurary’s presence was particularly significant, as this marked his third visit to Gateshead. Known for his UK tours, this time Rabbi Gurary focused solely on Gateshead, demonstrating his commitment to sharing the light of Chassidus with Jews from all walks of life.
The Thursday evening Farbrengen began at 9 p.m., drawing an impressive crowd of 300-400 participants who came and went throughout the night. The atmosphere was electric, filled with heartfelt Niggunim (Chassidic melodies), inspiring Divrei Torah, and stories that resonated deeply with all attendees. A highlight of the evening was the Siyum made by one of Rabbi Gurary’s grandsons on Masechta Bava Basra. He spoke eloquently, sharing words of Torah and Chassidus, which added depth and inspiration to the gathering. Rabbi Moshe Gurary, another grandson of Rabbi Noson Gurary, also shared words of Chassidus and delivered a Maamar, leaving a profound impression on all who attended.
During the Farbrengen, Rabbi Gurary emphasized the Baal Shem Tov’s mission to “spread the wellsprings of Chassidus outward to the farthest places, Chutzah.” He noted that Gateshead, situated in the northern reaches of the Jewish world and historically known for its strong emphasis on Torah study, exemplifies the potential for unity and inspiration through Chassidus. Rabbi Gurary highlighted how the acceptance and appreciation of Chassidus in a community renowned for its dedication to Torah exemplifies the Baal Shem Tov’s vision for spreading light and fostering achdus (unity) among all Jews.
The spiritual momentum carried into Shabbos, beginning with a Friday night Farbrengen at 9 p.m. that lasted until the early morning hours. Local Baalei Batim and Bochurim joined together, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled unity and upliftment. Shabbos morning featured a spirited davening, followed by an extended Farbrengen that continued through the afternoon and into the evening. The weekend also included numerous shiurim delivered to various groups in Gateshead, enriching the community’s understanding and appreciation of Chassidus.
One of the most remarkable outcomes of the Farbrengen was the profound inspiration felt by the Bochurim and local participants. Many Bochurim and members of the Gateshead community took upon themselves new commitments to deepen their learning and connection to Chassidus. Shiurim were arranged in the days following the Farbrengen, and there was a surge of interest in learning Tanya and other foundational Chassidic texts. Several individuals joined existing Tanya shiurim, while others began learning Tanya B’Chavrusa (in pairs), fostering an environment of growth and shared learning.
The Yud Tes Kislev Farbrengen was a powerful reminder that the teachings of Chassidus are rooted in unity and the ultimate goal of bringing the Jewish people together to rebuild the Beis Hamikdash and usher in the era of Mashiach. Throughout the weekend, the beauty of collaboration and unity among Jews from different backgrounds was on full display. Participants felt a deep sense of connection, transcending differences, and embodying the timeless message of Chassidus: that achdus is the foundation for spiritual growth and redemption.
As one participant remarked, “This Farbrengen wasn’t just about learning Chassidus; it was about living it. We saw Jews from all walks of life coming together in a way that felt truly transformative.”
The Yud Tes Kislev Farbrengen demonstrated that even in communities with diverse approaches to Torah and Jewish life, the light of Chassidus has the power to inspire and unite. The event stands as a testament to the universal appeal and relevance of Chassidus, proving that its timeless teachings can resonate with and uplift Jews everywhere.
As the Rebbe teaches, every place has its unique spark waiting to be ignited. Last week’s Farbrengen proved that even in the most unexpected places, the flames of Chassidus can burn brightly, bringing warmth, unity, and meaning to all who encounter it. Through the unity displayed in Gateshead, a tangible step was taken toward the ultimate redemption, as the Baal Shem Tov’s vision of spreading the wellsprings continues to illuminate the world.
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Ari Black, wishing you continued hatzlocho with these amazing activities in Gateshead.
Moshiach now
This is wild to see this going on in Gateshead!
The crowd is thirsty for Chassidus!
Njce dancing