Farbrengen
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A Farbrengen (from the Yiddish פארברענגען, meaning "joyous gathering") is a Hasidic gathering. This term is only used by Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidim, as other Hasidim have a Tish. It may consist of explanations of general Torah subjects, with an emphasis on Hasidic philosophy, relating of Hasidic stories, and lively Hasidic melodies, with refreshments being served. It is regarded as a time of great holiness. Farbrengens are public events open to non-Hasidim as well.
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[edit] Occasions when farbrengens are held
Farbrengens are usually held on Shabbos, Yom Tov, or an auspicious day in the Hasidic calendar such as a birthday or Yom Hillula of one of the Chabad Rebbes, or a day in which one of the Chabad Rebbes was released from prison.
According to the instructions of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson it is also customary for Chasidim to hold a farbrengen with their friends on their birthday, and Rabbi Schneerson encouraged all Jews to do so. A farbrengen is also held on the occasion of one's engagement and wedding. Thus, farbrengens are held often.
[edit] Niggunim
At farbrengens it is customary to sing Hasidic melodies known as niggunim (singular niggun). Chabad tradition contains many hundreds of such tunes, both slow and soul-stirring, and fast and lively. Zemiros are not sung.
[edit] Wishing L'chaim
All attending wish Lechaim, blessings of life, to one another. Since the farbrengen often includes discussion about very sensitive matters, with pointed critism, alcohol is consumed in order to lessen the tension among the participants. However, it is only meant to be drunk sparingly, as Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson forbade drinking more than four shot glasses of alcohol ("L'chaims").
[edit] Formats
Generally speaking, there are three possible formats for a farbrengen:
1. The Rebbe (most recently Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson at 770 in Brooklyn, New York) would sit at the head, speak in Yiddish, lead a wordless melody, and then lift a glass and off a L'chaim, a toast (on small cups of kosher wine), it seemed to each person in the room. He made eye contact, nodded, and then moved along the sea of faces to the next person.[1]
It is not customary for Chabad Rebbes to distribute their shirayim (שיריים--leftovers), to those assembled, and thus this gathering is never referred to as a tish.
2. A Mashpia or similar community leader leads the farbrengen in a public setting, such as at the synagogue. The role of the speaker is to educate and transmit a Chasidic educational message to the participants.
3. Several Hasidim gather together to discuss matters of divine service in a very intimate, serious, individualised, but informal way. There is no main speaker.
[edit] Meaning of a farbrengen
The Alter Rebbe related that a "note fell down from the Heavens," containing the following: "What a Hasidic farbrengen can achieve, even the angel Michoel cannot achieve ... "[2] This power stems from the fact that when G-d, regarded as our father, sees that His children are sitting together in unity and love, He is then aroused with a desire to fulfill all their requests, even those of which they would not be worthy via normal means, such as via the advocacy of Michoel, the defending angel of the Jewish people. Indeed, Chasidic tradition includes many stories of people who were saved by taking part in a farbrengen and being thereby blessed.
[edit] Sources
[edit] See also
[edit] Farbrengens online
- Farbrengens of the Rebbe
- 19 Kislev Farbrengen in Mayanot, Jerusalem
- 19 Kislev Farbrengen in Ottawa
- Farbrengen with Rabbi Y. Shusterman
- Farbrengens in Ohr Tmimimm, Kfar Chabad, The Land of Israel
- The audio of the Rebbe's farbrengens
[edit] References
- ^ A Rabbi's Complicated Relationship With Judaism, The Jerusalem Post, June 6, 1994
- ^ Igros Kodesh of the Previous Rebbe, Vol. 3, page 413.
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