A large crowd of Anash and bochurim gathered in Kingston, PA, for a farbrengen in honor of Rosh Chodesh Elul with Rabbi Ezra Schochet, Rosh Yeshiva of Ohr Elchonon Chabad in Los Angeles.

The farbrengen took place following an early Mincha and was held in Beis Moshe’s large shul. Many visiting guests and travelers, including families spending the summer in the area, were also present, including visitors from beyond the Anash community.

Rabbi Schochet spoke on the theme of teshuva, sharing stories and memories and inspiring the large crowd that had gathered for the farbrengen.

He spoke about the Rebbe’s vort that teshuva must come from within the person himself, rather than being motivated only by outside pressure or obligation.

“A person has to genuinely want to do teshuva, not simply because he was commanded to or because it’s the right thing to do,” Rabbi Schochet said.

He also shared his own teshuva story with the Rebbe.

The young Rabbi Schochet had written in his note about difficulties he was facing in his avodas Hashem. After reading the note, the Rebbe asked him several times if he had anything else to add. Rabbi Schochet did not know how to respond and, after the Rebbe asked three times, he broke down crying, asking the Rebbe to help him with teshuva. The Rebbe responded that teshuva should be done mitoch simcha, from a place of joy.

At the farbrengen, Rabbi Schochet enumerated several of the reasons the Rebbe explained for why teshuva should be done with simcha and why approaching teshuva in this way is ultimately more effective.

Rabbi Schochet elaborated on this message, explaining how the Rebbe’s approach to teshuva transforms the process from just regret and discouragement into a positive movement toward becoming closer to Hashem.

AUDIO (care of Kolel Yosef)