7 years ago

2,000 Shluchim, One Rebbe: The Gala Banquet

The Gala Banquet of the International Kinus Hashluchim was held last night, Motzei Shabbos, with 2,000 Shluchim from across the globe attending. Photos by ChabadInfo photographer Chaim Tuito • Full Story, Photos

The blue-tapestry covered walls colored the hall with a rich hue of splendor; the Rebbe’s Farbrengen Bimah adorned with a large, breathtaking photo of the Rebbe transmits an authentic Chassidishe vibe combined with an elegant touch.

The music, a band of highly talented musicians, infuse attendees with soul-stirring melodies that transport to an older time, to another place; leading the group is orchestral-vindicator and musician R’ Yossi Cohen; to their left, stands the podium, from where speakers and orators will address the esteems invitees.

There’s an aura of suspense in the dimly-lit room that is enveloping all the guests – thousands of Shluchim who by now are being comfortably seated around the square, stylishly bedecked tables.

It’s approximately 9:30 when New Jersey Shliach and Vaad Hakinus member, emcee Rabbi Yosef Carlebach opens the Gala Banquet with a warm Bruchim Haba’im. Large video screens project a Talk of the Rebbe blessing the Shluchim, and expounding and addressing different difficulties Shluchim face. That was soon followed with the famous Rosh Chodesh Kislev Video of 5753, when the Rebbe affirms and reaffirms, indeed enthusiastically encourages, the Shluchim’s singing Yechi Adoneinu.

After reciting the Rebbe’s Perek of Tehillim and pronouncing Yechi, led by Shliach to Bologna, Italy, R’ Eli Dovid Hacohen Borenstien, the emcee invited the guest speaker of the evening Mr. Shimon Mercer Wood, Spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy of NY.

Following the inspiring words from evening Mr. Mercer Wood, the emcee invited member of Badatz Rabbi Aharon Yaakov Shwei to the podium.

Rabbi Shwei blessed the Shluchim as a representative of the host community. “One of the Shluchim related”, begins R’ Shwei, “that he comes to the Kinus to recharge his Neshama with spiritual energy, I answered him that simultaneously he imbues the community with renewed spiritual energy, when they see the Shluchim’s Mesiras Nefesh.”

After concluding, Rabbi Sholom Ber Drizin, chassidic philanthropist and sponsor of the Kinus, gave a short, but rousing address. The emcee then gave him a big Brocha for success in everything and long, health years.

At this time Emcee Rabbi Carlebach began listing numbers and names of countries whose Shluchim are winners of the $1,000 grant, to which the audience respond with raucous applause

Rabbi Chaim Yosef Ginsburg, Shliach of Ramat Aviv – Tel Aviv, elobrated on our Shlichus today, what the Rebbe wants from every one of the Shluchim.

Followed by lively dancing led by singer Yissocher Gutman, the next course was served.

Next, Member of Badatz Rabbi Yosef Yeshaya Braun is invited to speak. He reminds the audience the Kinus opening of 5752, when the Rebbe defined Shlichus as preparing the world to greet Moshiach. “At that time I was in Sydney, Australia, and I wrote to the Rebbe for a blessing for success in our activities. The Rebbe replied “I answered them at the Farbrengen on Shabbos Mevarchim Kislev, Azkir Al Hatzion”.

Rabbi Carlebach reminded the participants that ‘what a Chasidishe Farbrengen can accomplish what the angel Michoel cannot’, and proceeded to mention names of Shluchim who are in need of a blessing.

The grand finale of the banquet was an inspiring, touching and encouraging speech by Rabbi Yossi Bryski, Shliach in Phoenix, Arizona. Rabbi Bryski told over his personal amazing story that saved someone’s life, and how this changed Rabbi Brsyki’s life as well.

Shliach of Poughkeepsie, NY, R’ Yankel Borenstien was honored with leading the after-blessing.

With the conclusion of the official banquet program, spontaneous Farbrengens commenced, lasting to the wee hours if the morning….

ChabadInfo captured the inspiring moments, uplifting atmosphere, gallant speeches, and Chassidishe Farbrengens throughout the event, and presents a gallery.