9 years ago

“Father & Son” in Cincinnati

This past Shabbos – Teruma 5775 – was a very special weekend in Yeshivas Lubavitch of Cincinnati when the Yeshiva hosted its annual “Father & Son” Shabbos for the parents living out of town. Over 25 fathers came from all over United States, Canada and beyond. Photos by Baruch Ezagui • Full Story, Photos

The program began on Thursday morning with a special Farbrengen with Rabbi Nochum Shifren (Edmonton, Ca) with the Shiur Gimmel students later that evening.

Adverse weather conditions in New York could not stand in the way of the dedicated parents, many of whom traveled through the night to get to Ohio however they could. By the time Shacharis started on Friday, the newly renovated Toron Family Beis Midrash was full. After Davening and a special breakfast, the fathers were treated to a special Shiur Klali by Rabbi Eliyahu Simpson, the Senior Maggid Shiur in Yeshiva.

Following the Shiur, the parents went to their hosts and many then went out with their sons on Mivtzoim. The Yeshiva recognizes the warmth and hospitality of the local Anash of Cincinnati and thanks them for hosting the many fathers who came, as well as Hatamim MY”D Wolf who prepared a comprehensive Welcome Packet for each guest.

A memorable Friday night was arranged to treat the students and parents, which began with Mincha and the weekly shiur in the Besuras Hageula of the Parsha, after which fathers learned a Sicha with their sons followed by Seder Niggunim. The new Menahel,Rabbi Menachem Benarouse, made sure that the evening kept to the Seder.

The Seuda took place in the newly renovated dining room that was specially set up and decorated for the occasion under the direction of the Menahel Gashmi, Rabbi Eliyahu Morrison.

During the meal, Temimim Zali Shifren from Los Angeles and Mendel Horvitz from Miami, together with Rabbi Dovid Schmukler from New York and Rabbi Boruch Merkur from Toronto shared Divrei Torah and inspirational anecdotes. The keynote was given by Rabbi Daniel Golomb from London England. As in previous years, Rabbi Chay Amar from Florida farbrenged at length after the Seuda, completing the evening’s program.

Rabbi Zalman Baras, Mashpia of the Yeshiva, began the Shabbas morning program with a special Shiur before Shacharis. Following Shachris, all the fathers and sons went to eat with their hosts and Chavrei Hanhalla. Right after Mincha, there was a special Farbrengen with Rabbi Gershon Avtzon, the Rosh Yeshiva. After Maariv, everyone stayed to watch the weekly video of the Rebbe and a special “Father & Son” picture was taken.

On Motzei Shabbas, the Yeshiva hosted a communal Melave Malka in their new building, the “Boymel Rabbinical College.” The Divrei Pesicha and Dvar Torah was given by the new Menahel of the Beis Midrash, Rabbi Levi Simpson.

In a heartfelt and speech, Rabbi Yaakov Ginsberg (Los Angeles), who grew up visiting family in Cincinnati, shared how Yeshivas Lubavitch of Cincinnati changes lives of its’ students to a fully-fledged Chassid of the Rebbe. The keynote was given by Rabbi Chay Amar, who spoke about the dedication of the Hanhallas HaYeshiva and how parents have to keep involved in the chinuch of their children. Rabbi Avtzon gave out special presents of appreciation to the New Menahalim.

The guests were entertained by the music of HaTamim Mendel Schmukler and Bentching was led by a local friend of the Yeshiva, Rabbi Yossi Levy.

Special thanks were given to all those who helped make the weekend a success and HaTamim MY”D Wolf, who coordinated much of the preparatory work for Shabbas and contributed greatly to the success of the weekend was singled out for his untiring energy and dedication to the Yeshiva in general.

On Sunday there was a special shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Levi Fuss (Mashpia of shiur alef) and time set aside for father/teacher meetings. Each parent and Bachur received a copy of the Tanya that was printed in Yeshiva through the efforts of the Temimmim, Nechemia Fried, Mendel Horvitz, Chaim Lishner and Eliyahu Ezagui.

The weekend concluded leaving parents, students and staff alike inspired and energized to fulfill the Rebbe’s Shlichus to be Mekabel Pnei Moshiach Tzidkeinu Bepoel Mamash.

A special thanks to renowned photographer Baruch Ezagui who made the special trip to take pictures of the weekend. Information about the Yeshiva can be seen on www.ylcincinnati.com.