Shluchim, friends and members of Chabad Houses in the New York Metropolitan area gathered Thursday at the Rebbe’s Ohel in Queens for a pre Gimmel Tammuz farbrengen.
Organized by Rabbi Shmuel Butman and Rabbi Yossi Butman of Lubavitch Youth Organization (Tzach), it was an evening of connection with the Rebbe and re-dedication to his teachings.
Following writing a personal ‘Pan’ and davening for their families and friends, participants were invited to take their seats in the tent by the emcee Rabbi Yochanon Marosow of Cong. Menachem Mendel of Flatbush.
U.S. Chaplain Marvin Tokayer spoke eloquently and movingly about his relationship with the Rebbe and how the Rebbe sent him to the Far East many decades ago.
Rabbi Tokayer also revealed a most sensitive story concerning the Shluchim Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg, HY”D. His talk was received with great enthusiasm and was broadcasted by many news channels.
Rabbi Leibel Groner, member of the Rebbe’s secretariat, spoke about the teaching of the Rebbe to do ever more and to never be satisfied with prior accomplishments.
As one who had the special merit of working so closely with the Rebbe, Rabbi Groner told several first-hand stories reflecting the Rebbe’s personal example of doing so.
He also related several stories reflecting the Rebbe’s personal dedication to the needs of each individual person. From the reaction of the participants one was able to see how deeply Rabbi Groner’s words resonated.
Chazan Schneur Zalman Baumgarten sang several Chassidic niggunim with the enthusiastic participation of the crowd.
The MC thanked the organizers and the Hanhola of Tzach for their steady concern and involvement.
The participants left with a great feeling of inspiration, resolve and commitment to do more and more to realize the Rebbe’s mission of preparing the world for the immediate redemption.
