Boys of all ages at YTTL Montreal celebrated Yud Shvat with special rallies, farbrengens, and Avos Ubanim program, helping them develop a connection to the Rebbe and the special day on which the Rebbe became our Rebbe.
As the only Tomchei Temimim in North America established by the Freidiker Rebbe, YTTL Montreal celebrations were befitting its special status.
The younger grades gathered for an inspiring rally, immersing themselves in the significance of this special day. They sang the Rebbe’s nigunim, listened to a miraculous story about the Rebbe, gave tzedaka, recited the 12 pesukim, and reflected on the privilege of being a chossid of the Rebbe.
Through these activities, the Talmidim gained a deeper appreciation for Yud Shevat, the day when the Rebbe assumed leadership. The excitement in the room was palpable, and the enthusiasm grew with each passing moment. As the rally concluded, the air buzzed with anticipation for the thrilling raffles, highlighted by a raffle to hold a Rebbe dollar that Rabbi Yisroel Menkes received in his youth.
A special thank you to Rabbi Menkes, Rebbi in Kitta Alef and Tzivos Hashem base commander, for organizing and leading this incredible rally!
To further reinforce the lessons of the day, Talmidim were encouraged to bring the chayus from Yeshiva into their homes. Those who returned a signed paper confirming they had sung five niggunim of the Rebbe over Shabbos would be entered into a raffle for a sefer, reinforcing the idea that their connection to the Rebbe extends beyond the walls of the yeshiva.
For the older talmidim, the day began with a beautifully arranged breakfast farbrengen, a setting that allowed them to engage with the themes of Yud Shevat in a more personal way. The elegant decor and delicious food set the tone for a meaningful morning.
One Talmid took the lead in chazzering Basi L’Gani, the maamar the Rebbe delivered upon accepting the nesius, reinforcing the teachings that have shaped generations. Another Talmid shared an inspiring story about the Rebbe. The room was filled with the sounds of hartzige niggunim.
Under the guidance of Rabbi Lavi Klein, the farbrengen became more than just an event—it was an opportunity for the talmidim to internalize the messages of the Rebbe and strengthen their hiskashrus. A big thank you to Rabbi Klein for coordinating this unforgettable experience.
The inspiration of Yud Shevat continued into Motzei Shabbos with a special Avos Ubonim program. Fathers and sons gathered to learn Basi L’Gani together, deepening their understanding of the Rebbe’s teachings. The evening included a farbrengen led by R’ Nochum Greenwald, heartfelt niggunim led by R’ Avremel Zirkind, and inspiring stories that left a lasting impression.
The atmosphere in the yeshiva auditorium was one of warmth and simcha as generations came together to connect through Torah and chassidus. Throughout the evening, raffle prizes were drawn, adding an element of excitement to the learning experience. Among the prizes were two drones, generously sponsored by the Hirshhorn family in honor of their children, Yosef Yitzchak and Sima Nessia.
This event was made possible through the generosity of the Benshimon family, who dedicated the learning in memory of R’ Yehoshua Heshel ben R’ Aharon Eliezer Ceitlin, the namesake of the yeshiva’s library, “Heshel’s Corner.” Another sponsorship came from Yosef Yitzchak Wenger in honor of his birthday on Yud Shevat.
A heartfelt thank you goes to R’ Mendy Wilansky for his assistance in organizing this beautiful program. Special recognition is due to R’ Bresinger and R’ Teitelbaum for their dedication to running Avos Ubonim each week and for their extra efforts in making this Yud Shevat gathering so impactful!
As the events of the day and night concluded, it was clear that Yud Shevat had left an indelible mark on the hearts of the talmidim and their families. The inspiration drawn from the Rebbe’s teachings will undoubtedly carry forward into their daily lives, strengthening their connection to chassidus and their role as chassidim of the Rebbe.
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When I was younger in cheder in Montreal we didn’t have a Yud Shvat farbrengen because yeshiva was closed for 3 days and we all went to the Rebbe in NY,