Thousands of Anash and mekuravim filled the International Convention Center in Yerushalayim on Thursday night for “Veharikosi,” a major preparation event ahead of Gimmel Tammuz. The program featured unique exhibits on the life, work, and teachings of the Rebbe, the world’s largest Chabad niggun program, and a special tefillah gathering at the Kosel.

One week before Gimmel Tammuz, thousands gathered for the event, organized by Tzeirei Agudas Chabad, combining preparation for the day with the Rebbe’s directive to thank and praise Hashem for His miracles.

The evening opened with an extensive exhibition showcasing the Rebbe’s life, leadership, activities, and the many seforim published from his teachings.

A special exhibit explored a subject that has rarely been presented in depth: the Rebbe’s connection to the Kosel. It featured newly revealed material and unique displays. An interactive quiz on “The Rebbe and the Kosel” was held in a nearby hall, and participants received a newly published album produced by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation highlighting the Rebbe’s connection to the Kosel and Chabad’s activities there.

Earlier in the day, a welcome reception was held in the Kosel Tunnels for dozens of shluchim from around the world who arrived in Eretz Yisroel for the event, as well as for visits and farbrengens in Chabad communities and institutions throughout the country.

Following the exhibits and multimedia presentations, the crowd assembled in the main hall for what organizers billed as the world’s largest Chabad niggun program. The performance featured authentic renditions of Chabad niggunim, from deeply moving melodies that touch the essence of the soul to uplifting tunes that inspire joy and elevation.

The musical production was arranged by renowned conductor and composer Rafi Biton, who performed together with the Chabad Choir, Kolot Min Hashamayim Choirs, and an expanded orchestra. Over the course of two and a half hours, more than one hundred singers and musicians performed dozens of niggunim from Chabad’s rich musical tradition.

At the beginning of the program, a video greeting was shown from Israeli Minister Amichai Chikli, whose Ministry for Diaspora Affairs sponsored the event. Chikli spoke about his connection with Chabad and praised the work of the Rebbe’s shluchim around the world.

Knesset member Meir Porush addressed the gathering, describing it as “a living expression of the ‘pen of the soul,’” referencing the Alter Rebbe’s teachings on the power of niggun. He spoke about the ability of every Jew to sanctify reality, increase light, and positively influence others, noting the dedication of thousands of Chabad shluchim worldwide.

Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz spoke about the deep connection between the Rebbe, Chabad, and the Kosel. He also shared an inspiring story illustrating the Rebbe’s continued impact after Gimmel Tammuz, describing how the Rebbe influenced an eighty-year-old Jew who sought to begin a new chapter in life.

In his keynote address, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Aharonov said:

“We stand today close to the holy day of Gimmel Tammuz. It is a day when the Chassidic heart skips a beat, a day when tears and longing for the Rebbe rise to the surface. Yet Chassidim do not stop there. Gimmel Tammuz is a day of deep connection, self-reflection, and honest evaluation: Where do we stand in relation to the Rebbe’s will? It is specifically through complete bittul to the Rebbe that one can open the channel for the greatest blessings, blessings that transcend nature entirely.”

“Among Chassidim, it is well known that what a Chassidic farbrengen can accomplish, even the angel Michael cannot accomplish. Especially on Gimmel Tammuz, when we gather together as one family of Chassidim in unity and brotherly love, the power of that farbrengen is multiplied. Here among the Chassidim and shluchim, we strengthen the vessel and draw the Rebbe’s blessings into practical reality, in children, health, livelihood, and abundance in all matters.”

Rabbi Aharonov emphasized that the Rebbe demanded action in addition to emotion and longing.

“At a time when we increasingly see the Rebbe’s call echoing from every direction, to act with Ahavas Yisroel and bring Jews closer together, we must dedicate ourselves even more to the shlichus and responsibility that the Rebbe placed upon each and every one of us.”

Following the concert, many participants continued to the Kosel Plaza for a special tefillah gathering and niggun program.

Summing up the event, Rabbi Aharonov said:

“This was an unprecedented gathering, many hours of hiskashrus to the Rebbe in preparation for the great and holy day of Gimmel Tammuz, while also fulfilling the Rebbe’s directive from the well-known sichah of 26 Nissan 5751 to thank and praise Hashem for His miracles until it leads to actual dancing. From here, we will continue with renewed strength to carry out the Rebbe’s instruction to do everything within our power to bring the days of Moshiach.”

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