As Gimmel Tammuz approaches, hundreds of Bochurim from Yeshivos around the world are taking part in the eighth annual Mivtza Hanachos of Vaad Talmidei Hatmimim, dedicating time each week to watch the Rebbe’s Farbrengens, write Hanachos, and prepare themselves in a meaningful way for Gimmel Tammuz.

What began years ago as a small initiative has grown into one of the most successful and anticipated programs of the season. This year alone, participants have already accumulated more than 202,566 minutes of Farbrengens watched – and counting.

The concept is straightforward, but the impact is significant. Bochurim watch selected Farbrengens of the Rebbe and write Hanachos in their own words, training themselves to listen carefully, absorb the Rebbe’s message, and think deeply about what they heard.

For many Bochurim, it becomes much more than a Mivtza.

“The fact that I can watch a Farbrengen of the Rebbe for an extended amount of time is thanks to me doing Hanachos when I was in Mesivta”, shared a past participant.

The Mesivta program remains the heart of the Mivtza. With two participation tracks and a carefully structured format that gradually increases the length of the Farbrengen segments from week to week, Bochurim are challenged to stretch their attention span, sharpen their listening skills, and become increasingly comfortable engaging with longer Farbrengens of the Rebbe. By the end of the program, many participants find themselves able to listen attentively to Farbrengens that would have seemed daunting just weeks earlier.

Building on the success of the Mesivta program, the Vaad introduced a new Zal track this year, allowing older Bochurim to participate in a format tailored specifically for them. Featuring longer Farbrengens and more advanced Hanachos, the expansion has generated tremendous excitement and has brought the Mivtza to an entirely new group of participants.

Throughout the years, Mashpiim and mechanchim have repeatedly noted how the Mivtza helps Bochurim develop the ability to engage with the Rebbe’s Torah in a deeper and more meaningful way. What begins as a challenge to write a Hanacha often becomes a new appreciation for the Rebbe’s Farbrengens themselves.

This year’s Mivtza also introduced several new features, including weekly Hanacha voting and the publication of outstanding submissions in a Hanachos magazine, both of which have generated tremendous excitement among participants.

In addition, a new online photo gallery gives parents, supporters, and fellow Bochurim a glimpse into the learning and effort taking place in Yeshivos throughout the weeks of preparation.

Rabbi Tzvi Altein, Director of Vaad Talmidei Hatmimim, says the growth of the Mivtza reflects something much deeper than participation numbers.

“When a Bochur spends time listening carefully to a Farbrengen of the Rebbe, writing a Hanacha, and thinking about what he heard, he’s developing a personal relationship with the Rebbe’s Torah. The numbers are exciting, but what inspires us most is seeing Bochurim genuinely connecting to the Rebbe’s words and carrying those lessons with them long after the Mivtza ends.”

As the remaining weeks of the Mivtza continue, hundreds of Bochurim will spend thousands more minutes with the Rebbe’s Farbrengens, preparing for Gimmel Tammuz in a way that is both meaningful and personal.

For many participants, that may be the greatest accomplishment of all.