Excitement is at an all-time high. Tens of thousands have packed the central ‘Tzama’ complex in Yerushalayim over the last few days, waiting with anticipation for the night of Yud-Tes Kislev, which begins Monday night. As of now, the official visitor count has already surpassed 55,000—a record demonstrating that this event has become an integral staple of the Jewish calendar.

The event series, which uniquely blends Limud Chassidus with immersive musical performances, reached impressive heights throughout the week. Alongside the main concerts, dedicated youth events were a major success, drawing thousands of teenagers to experience Chassidus through music and workshops. Meanwhile, the popular Seforim Fair—considered the largest and most affordable of its kind in the world—served as a magnet for many bibliophiles eager to expand their libraries.

On the musical front, a standout attraction was the unique ‘Tefillive’ production. This experiential show took the audience on a journey through the “ladder of tefillah,” from Modeh Ani to Aleinu, weaving together heart-opening nigunim and insights. Featuring Bini Landau, Yehoshua Limoni, and Neria Moyal, and hosted by Shmulik Kaplan, the show was a massive success, sweeping the audience into a powerful spiritual-musical experience.

However, the most talked-about moment so far occurred during the main concert, when singer-songwriter Amir Dadon took the stage for a surprise performance. He delivered a particularly moving rendition of the deep, ancient Chabad nigun Yashuv. The performance received thunderous applause and quickly became the talk of the day. This highlight joined performances by leading artists Avraham Fried, Akiva, Motty Steinmetz, and Benaia Barabi.

The festivities will continue in high gear over the coming days, peaking with the night of Yud-Tes Kislev—the “Rosh Hashanah of Chassidus.” The schedule features fascinating shiurim, workshops, and major events marking the Chag HaGeula of the founder of Chabad Chassidus, the Alter Rebbe. Organizers anticipate that tens of thousands more will join the celebrations.

Photo Credit: Chaim Tuito