We are now in the summer, and most Yeshiva bochurim are finishing their current year of learning and preparing for the next. This is the time when many temimim learning in Kevutzah or a year older begin thinking about where they will go on shlichus next year. While many will head to established yeshivos, a considerable number are considering areas of shlichus that are more connected to a community than to a yeshivah. • By Rabbi Gershon Avtzon • Read More

It is now the summertime, and many children are already in for camp — while many other parents are still deciding whether to send theirs. Parents weigh all kinds of considerations. In this article, I would like to openly address a few concerns that are, in my opinion, not valid — and that can even be counter-productive in the long term • By Rabbi Gershon Avtzon • Read More

Rabbi Gershon Avtzon: Around the day of Gimmel Tammuz, no matter how one personally views and acts on the day, there is usually a universal discussion about the “future of Chabad”… As these discussions are happening in our own circles, from people that truly care about the Rebbe and the respect of Chabad, I would like to start with an illuminating answer from the Rebbe that I saw recently • Read More

Rabbi Gershon Avtzon: We find ourselves in the days between two significant dates on the Chassidishe calendar — 28 Sivan, the 85th anniversary of the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach and Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka’s miraculous arrival to America, and Gimmel Tammuz. These are not simply dates on a calendar. They bookend a single, essential truth that we must carry with us into the world: Yesh Rebbe B’Yisroel — the Rebbe is here now and is actively leading us to the Geulah! • Read More

Rabbi Gershon Avtzon connects “B’haaloscha es Haneiros” with Chinuch. “The Menorah had 42 ornaments (as mentioned above) and 4 vessels that were used to help prepare and clean the Menorah. 42 is the numerical value of אמא (mother) and 4 is the numerical value of אבא (father). We need all partners on the same page for the Menorah to shine properly.” • Read More

Rabbi Gershon Avtzon: Recently, as I was learning about the Farbrengen where Rabbi Hecht is mentioned, I decided to actually open this special sefer and see some of what is written there. There are many strong Torah insights written by the Rabbanim of the Hecht family, but I was most inspired by the “Pilpul: written by his youngest brother, – Reb Sholom Hecht (A”H). • Read More