Following the central Kinus Hachana on Yud Shevat morning and Bochurim entering the Ohel, the Vaad Talmidei Hatmimim introduced a new and thoughtfully designed afternoon program, giving Mesivta Bochurim a meaningful framework to continue Yud Shevat immersed in the Rebbe’s inyonim.

Approximately 500 Bochurim from Mesivtos across the country traveled together to Young Israel of Cedarhurst, where they gathered for a special Yom Iyun and afternoon program in a warm and uplifting setting. Upon arrival, the Bochurim were greeted with a lavish hot milchig lunch buffet, allowing them to settle in before transitioning into an afternoon of learning and Hiskashrus.

The program’s first segment offered Bochurim the option of three parallel tracks, each providing a distinct approach to engaging with the day.

One track featured a live edition of the Among Chassidim podcast, hosted by Rabbi Yossi Kamman, with special guest Rabbi Levi Garelik. In an open and engaging conversation, Rabbi Garelick shared personal stories of growing up on shlichus, meaningful encounters with the Rebbe alongside his parents, and reflections that brought the concept of living with hiskashrus into sharp focus.

A second track centered on hora’os for Bochurim, drawing from the guidance of R’ Dovid Raskin, as presented by his grandson, Rabbi Bentzion Pearson. The session offered practical direction and chizuk, helping Bochurim think more deeply about their avodah and connection to the Rebbe in the context of everyday bochur life.

The third track featured a unique shiur on a hadran by Rabbi Raleigh Resnick, Shliach in Pleasanton, California, widely known for his shiurim on the daily Rambam. Through this presentation, Bochurim were introduced to a fresh and compelling way of approaching the Rebbe’s Torah, both in the depth of learning and in how it can be internalized and shared with others.

Following the conclusion of the first segment, the Bochurim reconvened in the main shul to daven Mincha together, followed by the continuation of the maamer Basi Legani, shared by Rabbi Hirschel Raskin of Montreal.

The program concluded with a lively panel featuring Rabbi Shloimy Sternberg, Rabbi Menachem Shechter, and Rabbi Raleigh Resnick, moderated by Rabbi Bentzion Pearson. The discussion addressed timely and relevant questions facing Bochurim today, including hiskashrus, growth, and navigating the realities of bochur life with clarity and strength.

“This was about was about providing practical takeaways from Yud Shevat,” said Rabbi Tzvi Altein, Executive Director of the Vaad Talmidei Hatmimim. “A space to sit, learn, and where the day could be experienced in a focused, pnimiyus’dike way, connected to the Rebbe and to what Yud Shevat demands of us.”“The Vaad’s new expanded Yud Shevat programming format marked a change from the Kinus Hatmimim evening gathering that has been held for close to two decades,” said Rabbi Meir Deren, Program Director of Vaad. “Its success is owing in large part to the careful collaboration with Menahalei Hayeshiva and intense planning of the Vaad team.”