In the northeast Ukrainian city of Chernigov, a “farbrengen” (Chassidic gathering) is held every Shabbat after services, where, along with some good kosher food, attendees sing, tell stories, and are inspired to keep their Jewish identity and pride burning strong.
This past Shabbat was also the 10th of Shvat, the anniversary of the passing of the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn. This year marks 60 years since the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson of righteous memory, took on the leadership of the Chabad movement.
Dozens of people participated in an especially inspiring gathering on this occasion. The participants appreciated the lavish spread and sat wide-eyed as Chief Rabbi of Chernigov Yisroel Silberstein related stories of personal encounters with the Rebbe. The singing of Chassidic melodies, the warm atmosphere, and the words of the Torah kept the crowd mesmerized for over three hours. The event culminated in each of the participants committing to a positive resolution or mitzvah he would do. For instance, one man plans to have a brit mila.
The STARS youth group also met on Sunday. The class began with a fun and intellectually stimulating team-building game and, afterwards, there was a special farbrengen. The students enjoyed a delicious, hot meal. At the end of an especially warm and intimate Chassidic gathering, they wrote letters to the Rebbe in which they asked for blessings. They too took on good resolutions, such as putting on tefillin every day, attending the synagogue on Shabbat, and learning Hebrew. As well, one young man resolved that he will only marry a Jew.