5 years ago

Cincinnati Enjoys Father, Son Shabbos

Over 50 fathers from all across the United States and Canada arrived at Yeshivas Lubavitch Cincinnati for the annual “Father and Son” Shabbos this past week, Parshas Tetzaveh 5779 • Full Story, Photos

Over 50 fathers from all across the United States and Canada arrived at Yeshivas Lubavitch Cincinnati for the annual “Father and Son” Shabbos this past week, Parshas Tetzaveh 5779.

This is one of the most anticipated moments of the year. Fathers take time from their busy schedules to travel to the Yeshiva to visit their sons and witness firsthand the growth, warmth and Chasidishe atmosphere of Tomchei Temimim that their sons experience on a daily basis.

The fathers were greeted with a custom-designed welcome bag with information regarding the Shabbos schedule and program, along with Divrei Torah. The Yeshiva is deeply grateful for the generous warmth and hospitality of the local Anash of Cincinnati, who hosted the many fathers who came – with additional thanks to all those who helped to prepare and provide the welcome packet for each guest.

The Shabbos weekend began with very Lebedike “Adar dancing” on Thursday night. It continued, with Friday morning Shacharis in the Beis Midrash. After davening and a delicious breakfast, all in attendance participated in a captivating shiur – on the topic of “B’nei Tzruyah” – the power behind the throne – by Rabbi Eliyahu Simpson, the Yeshiva’s senior Maggid Shiur. The parents then went to their host families and many then went out with their sons on Mivtzoim.

As Shabbos came in, the fathers partook in one of the most treasured moments of this Shabbos: learning the Maamer “Ve’Ata Tetzave” together with their sons. This was followed by a heartwarming Seder Nigunim, led by Rabbi Levi Simpson, Mashpia and Maggid Shiur in Yeshiva.

After Kabolas Shabbos, the fathers and sons took their seats in the dining room, specially decorated for the occasion under the direction of the Menahel Gashmi, Rabbi Eliyahu Morrison. The Yeshiva extends heartfelt thanks to Rabbi Morrison for his great dedication and involvement in general, with extra appreciation for his attentive efforts toward making this Shabbos event successful.

During the course of the Seudah, Divrei Torah and Hisorerus were shared by Hatmimim Hershy Lerner (Boston) and Shlomo Feldman (LA) as well as Shluchim Rabbi Yossi Grossbaum (Folson, CA), Rabbi Nosson Meretzky (Pittsburgh), Rabbi Nochum Kurinsky (FL) and Rabbi Moshe Schapiro (NJ). Per Yeshiva tradition, the Temimim, their fathers, and Anash Farbrenged together at length after the Seudah, completing the evening’s program.

On Shabbos morning, Rabbi Shmuel Granovetter delivered a shiur on the Maamer “Beyom Ashtei Asar”. Following Shacharis, all the fathers and sons joined together for a Shabbos seudah with the fathers’ host families and Chavrei Hanhalah. After Minchah, there was a special Farbrengen with the Rosh Yeshivah, Rabbi Gershon Avtzon. At the farbrengen, everyone said a special “L’Chaim” for the dear Mashpia, Rabbi Zalman Baras for a complete recovery. The farbrengen was followed by Maariv, a video of the Rebbe and a special “Fathers and Sons” photo.

Later that evening, a special Melave Malkah seudah took place in the Yeshiva’s Boymel Rabbinical College. The theme of the evening was the “Bar Mitzvah” of Yeshiva – celebrating its’ 13th year, Baruch Hashem. Special video presentations were shown. To show Hakaras Hatov, Rabbi Avtzon presented special plaques to the Chavrei Hanhalla for their dedication and devotion to the Yeshiva.

The Melava Malkah keynote speaker was Rabbi Yosef Avtzon who spoke on the Hashkafah of Chinuch in our time. Rabbi Mendel Toron, spoke on behalf of the alumni of the Yeshiva and Mr. Ira Brody shared his amazing stories with the Rebbe. The evening concluded with a special video presentation by the Talmidim Hashluchim, highlighting their many activities. The Seuda was followed by joyous dancing for Chodesh Adar.

On Sunday morning there was a Chinuch seminar for the fathers, led by the Menahel of the yeshivah, Rabbi Menachem Benarousse. Later in the day, fathers had the opportunity to meet privately with the teachers to discuss their sons’ progress and growth.

The weekend concluded with parents, Bochurim, and Hanhalah alike inspired and energized to fulfill the Rebbe’s shlichus “to be Mekabel P’nei Moshiach Tzidkeinu Bepo’el Mamash!”