Chof Beis Shvat at the Ohel

Photos: Chaim Tuito

A special program was organized at the Ohel in Cambria Heights, Queens, by Vaad Or V’Chom Hahiskashrus organization to mark the auspicious day of Chof Beis Shvat, the yartzeit of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, OBM.

Hundreds of Anash, Shluchim and bochurim from Morristown Yeshiva, 770, Oholei Torah and various other Yeshivahs were in attendance.

Before the event began, participants davened Maariv together, watched a video of Chof Beis Shevat with the Rebbe and studied a sicha together.

Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov, MC for the evening, spoke about the importance of this gathering – among other gatherings marking Chof Beis Shevat.

“The Rebbetzin viewed the chassidim as her children,” noted Rabbi Shemtov, therefore, as her children, it is appropriate that we mark the day in the proper way – learning, taking lessons for our lives from her ways, and participating in a farbrengen.

Rabbi Yisroel Deren, Head Shliach to Connecticut, shared some personal reflections on the day and the Chasidim’s connection to it. Rabbi Deren explained that this day was deeply personal in nature to the Rebbe, and how we as Chassidim observed that and connect with that on this day.

Rabbi Shmuel Lew, Shliach in London and known speaker, had a personal relationship with the Rebbetzin because of her friendship with his in-laws, Mr. Zalman and Roselyn Jaffe. Rabbi Lew shared inspiring stories and anecdotes from his own personal interactions with the Rebbetzin, conveying the concern she always displayed for others’ benefit and well being.

Rabbi Yisroel Shimon Kalmenson shared some anecdotes from the Rebbe’s sichos and expressions about the Rebbetzin.

The evening ended with a farbrengen which lasted late into the night.