Achdus Australia Unites Sydney, Melbourne, and New Zealand

This past Shabbos, the Annual Australian Shabbos Achdus was held at Yeshiva Gedolah Melbourne, with Bochurim gathering from Sydney, New Zealand, and Melbourne – all coming together for an action-packed Shabbos to uplift and inspire each other before Matan Torah.

This past Shabbos, the Annual Australian Shabbos Achdus was held at Yeshiva Gedolah Melbourne, with Bochurim gathering from Sydney, New Zealand, and Melbourne – all coming together for an action-packed Shabbos to uplift and inspire each other before Matan Torah.

Upon arrival, each Bochur was received with open arms and a one-of-a-kind welcome pack. A brilliant and creative schedule was designed specifically for this Shabbos Achdus (see picture below).

For the first time ever, this year’s festivities began with a BBQ and Basketball Game on Thursday night (May 22 – כ״ד אייר), kicking off the Achdus on a high! Everyone enjoyed delicious food fresh off the grill while watching a thrilling game between two teams fighting for unity: SYDNEY vs. MELBOURNE – with professional-level live commentary! The match ended in unified dancing and harmony.

From one excitement to the next, the boys headed over to Yeshiva Gedolah to begin the first Farbrengen of the program. Rabbi Aron Groner, head of Kashrus in Sydney and a well-known figure, flew in especially for the occasion to uplift and inspire Bochurim from all walks of life.

The next morning featured a packed Seder, tailored for those who flew in from Sydney. Rabbi Buchi Broh, head of campus Shlichus in Melbourne, gave an engaging lecture followed by a delicious breakfast.

Friday afternoon was Mivtzoim at its peak, uniting Sydney and Melbourne’s top Mivtzoim goers. The loadout was top-tier. Tefillin were laid and smiles were made.

During these Australian winter months, Shabbos began early at about 5:00 PM. After Mincha, a warm and vibrant welcome speech from YG Shliach JJ Hecht was delivered, followed by a grand joint Seder Sichos, then Seder Niggunim, and a high-energy Kabbalas Shabbos.

The explosive Shabbos meal had the room packed with over 150 people! The singing was surreal, the dancing electric, and the Torah insights captivated everyone. A fun and interactive game brought even more excitement, all run by the mastermind Shliach JJ Hecht and the legendary Shmulik Feldman.

“The Shabbos meal was the best I’ve ever seen in my life!” – One Sydney Bochur

Following the meal was a beautiful Farbrengen led by Josh Goldhirsch, a Chassidus lover, an icon of generosity, and a true Chassidishe baal ha’bayis. By popular demand, the idea was raised to start a weekly shiur for the Year 10 Yeshivah College boys in Melbourne, with the catchy title: “Chassidus & Kabobs by Josh Goldhirsch.” We hope this Farbrengen leads to real action, just as the Rebbe always emphasized.

In the early AMs, the boys were back at it zipping through the holy Psalms, followed by a lively Shacharis.

Shabbos day meals were hosted throughout the welcoming Melbourne community. Farbrengens continued throughout the day. Mincha was joyously davened, followed by the long-standing tradition of “Mesib,” better known as Mesibos Shabbos. Afterward, the boys returned to YG for the grand finale of this incredible weekend: Maariv.

Havdalah was then said, and the boys broke out into yet another heartfelt, spirited dance. The closing of this electrifying Shabbos Achdus was about anchoring all the uplifted feelings and inspiration into real action. Also, designed specifically for this Shabbos, Hachlatah cards (which doubled as long green raffle tickets) were handed out. The grand prizes were either a hot air balloon ride (up to $250) or $500 worth of Seforim.

Menachem Tayar was the “lucky” winner—and he wisely chose the wad of cash to fill his shelves with holy books.

A special thank you goes to the following:

Hanhalas Hayeshivah of Yeshivah Gedolah.

Shliach JJ Hecht, the head director and organizer of Shabbos Achdus ‘85 along with all the YG Shluchim’s hard work to breed such success. Two Shluchem who stood out would be Eli Salek and Sruli Shapiro.

Shluchem Shmulik Feldman and Dovi Zuckerman, and all the YLY Shluchim who headed the group of Sydney’s KTC Students to fly into Melbourne. (The entire year 12!)

A very large Thank You to Bocher Zevi Litzman who directed the sound, lights, design, set up, and more! He was absolutely phenomenal.

The YC Shluchim really pulled through, especially during the Thursday night activities. Two Shluchem who stood out are Mendel Kudan (a.k.a. DJ Koodz) and Nechemya Herson!

The Cheder Levi Yitzchak Shluchim.

All the YG Bochurim! They invigorated the entire weekend with life and their love for Torah.

Shabbos Achdus would not have been possible without each and every single one of them! Thank You!

And lastly it must be made mention that without the help of G-d Almighty and The Rebbe this entire Shabbos program would have been a disaster for the ages. The success was beyond the capability of man, so that leaves all the attention and gratitude towards the ONE and ONLY.

THANK YOU! May all these efforts and all the hard work put in, truly hasten the coming of Moshiach Now!