Fathers and Sons Mark Yud Shvat in Oholei Torah

On Sunday, a gathering of enthusiastic fathers and sons of Oholei Torah’s sixth and seventh grade division took place to learn and farbreng in honor of Yud Shvat. The Oholei Torah ballroom welcomed participants with an inviting setup, comprehensive printed materials, and light refreshments.

To commence the program, Talmidim delved into a Sicha with their fathers, focusing on Yud Shvat and Hiskashrus to the Rebbe. The Menahel Rabbi Yehoshua Lustig shared insightful words about the significance of Dor Hashvi’i, followed by a presentation by the Head of School Rabbi Mendel Blau, who expounded upon the Rebbe’s mission statement for our generation. Particular emphasis was placed on the close alignment of Oholei Torah’s mission as articulated by the Rebbe in his letters to the Yeshiva.

Oholei Torah is built upon the fundamental principles of Ahavas Hashem, Ahavas HaTorah, and Ahavas Yisrael, recognizing the significance of each on their own, as well as their collective power. To draw a parallel, akin to a masterful blend of primary light colors- red, blue, and green- symbolic of the three Ahavos, when harmoniously mixed, they can produce a near infinite spectrum of brilliant colors. Oholei Torah endeavors to inspire each Talmid, supporting their growth and personal development as a Chossid permeated (“durchgedrungen”) with strong core values and a sense of mission and purpose.

The farbrengen progressed with a video presentation of a segment from Basi L’gani, following which Talmidim and their fathers answered Connection Point questions on the Maamer and the Sicha. Rabbi Lustig then led the room in singing the Beinoni and Shamil Niggunim and reciting Tehillim for the safety of Eretz Yisrael.

Parents expressed how special and meaningful it was to dedicate time to join their sons in honoring Yud Shvat in this manner. A grateful father remarked, “The program was rich with toichen, niggunim, farbrengen, farbaisen, and most importantly, connection.”

Photo Credit: Shalom Ross