On Wednesday, Chof Zayin Adar, a total of over 30 Chabad Mesivtos and Zals from around the world joined together from their respective locations, for a unique “Kinnus Olami – Worldwide Webinar”. Talmidim heard divrei bracha and hisorerus on a day that marked 20 years since the last time Chassidim were privileged to hear the Rebbe.
Opening the event was Rabbi Mendel Blau, Menahel of Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch – Chovevei Torah. Speaking from Crown Heights, he welcomed everyone from around the globe, reinitiating the significance and importance of the day.
He then introduced the Rebbe’s Chozer and chief Mashpiya in 770, Rabbi Yoel Kahn. Reb Yoel stressed the importance to Yeshiva bochurim of their relationship with the Rebbe and commitment to his directives. He explained that, similar to how each Mitzvah connects us to Hashem – by fulfilling the directives of the Rebbe, we connect to the Rebbe. He reminded the bochurim of the last Yechidus the Rebbe spoke to the bochurim, demanding they be entirely involved in learning, to the degree that the first thought that enters their mind in the morning and even in their sleep – should be Torah. By fulfilling this responsibility as Yeshiva bochurim, we fulfill the Rebbe’s request, and thereby connect with him.
The bochurim then heard from Rabbi Velvl Butman, Shliach of the Rebbe to Westchester County, NY. Quoting from the Rebbe’s Torah, Rabbi Butman outlined how the bochurim have the ability to believe, understand and feel how the Rebbe guides every step of their lives. Sharing a personal family story he reminded the bochurim of the importance of ‘placing’ their heads in the proper places – and for those who haven’t – that it’s never too late to correct themselves. He concluded by quoting the well-known letter of the Rebbe, written on Yud Alef Nissan, where the Rebbe describes his vision, while still a young child, what the world will look like when Moshiach will come. Infusing the bochurim with a sense of urgency that it is up to us all to make that vision – a reality.
From Crown Heights the program was then sent to London, England, where everyone was treated to the inspiring words of Rabbi Shmuel Lew, the Rebbe’s senior Shliach to London. In his unique, energetic and engaging style, Rabbi Lew spoke of each person’s special connection with the Rebbe and what every individual can take from the day, in relation to that connection.
He shared a Sicha the Rebbe spoke 6 weeks prior to Chof Zayin Adar; on the 3rd of Shevat 5752. The Rebbe shared a painful story relating to the Frierdiker Rebbe. The Rebbe asked why, out of all things, was the Frierdiker Rebbe’s power of speech – his primary tool used in his efforts in Hafotzas HaTorah VeHaMa’ayonos – taken from him. The Rebbe concluded that Sicha by urging the Chassidim to act as the Frierdiker Rebbe’s ‘speech’ and spread the teachings of Torah and Chassidus. Rabbi Lew explained the Rebbe sudden & cryptic Sicha as our guideline for our times: as the Rebbe’s children, we must do what we can to act as the Rebbe’s ‘speech’ and ‘hand’.
The program concluded with each Yeshiva viewing part of the Rebbe’s Sicha of the 3rd of Shevat with English subtitles.
A special yasher koach is extended to all those who were involved in making this monumental event a reality; the speakers, the Hanhalas HaYeshivos, as well as the Talmidei HaShluchim & bochurim of each respective Yeshiva.
A special thank you is extended to Mr. Eran Viner and Matan Avigur of EVC-INC.COM for their tireless platform & technical assistance.
It is the hope that similar event will take place closer to the end of the year. If your Yeshiva would like to contacted for future participation, please email KinnusOlami@gmail.com
