The Tzama 5786 events concluded with resounding success, drawing more than 100,000 participants to the International Convention Center, Binyanei HaUma, in Jerusalem over eight days. Hosted by the Jerusalem Municipality Department of Torah Culture, the week long festival marked the New Year of Chassidut, 19 Kislev, offering visitors a powerful experience of connection and faith, especially meaningful during these challenging times.

The undisputed highlight was the moving central concert, where Israel’s leading artists united for an unforgettable evening of Chabad niggunim. Avraham Fried, Akiva, Benaia Barabi, and Motty Steinmetz delivered stirring performances that electrified and warmed the audience. The crowd was further energized by surprise appearances from Ishay Ribo, Amir Dadon, Bini Landau, and Aviv Alush.

Beyond the music, Tzama featured a wide range of enriching programs. A massive Chassidic book fair drew thousands eager to deepen their connection to Torah and Chassidus. A special exhibition presenting stories of faith and heroism from returned hostages became a central source of inspiration. Innovation also took center stage with the unique Tefilive performance, blending live tefillah with contemporary music. These programs were complemented by dedicated youth events, central farbrengens, and record breaking gatherings for women.

The festival attracted a diverse and influential audience, including dozens of public figures and celebrities who were hosted in a dedicated VIP complex. Among them were Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Hagit Moshe, MK Limor Son Har Melech, former Minister of Diaspora Affairs Omer Yankelevitch, and outgoing Ambassador to the United Kingdom Tzipi Hotovely.

They were joined by prominent media personalities, including Sivan Rahav Meir, Yedidya Meir, Motti Castel, Miri Michaeli, and Omer Ben Rubi. Also in attendance were Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi, hostage survivor Sapir Cohen, mothers of hostagesDitza Or and Julie Kuperstein, businessmanYitzchak Mirilashvili, musician Benaia Barabi and his wife, and influencers Natali Dadon and Ravit Asaf.

Rabbi Moshe Shilat, founder and leader of the Tzama events, said: “The power of the public arriving here is living proof of how much the Jewish soul thirsts for the light of Chassidus and a connection to our roots. To see tens of thousands of thirsty (Tzama) souls dancing, singing, learning, and farbrenging during these days truly feels like Redemption—the Geulah of 19 Kislev, and very soon, the complete Redemption with the coming of Mashiach.”

Photo credit: Chaim Tuito / Or Geffen